ANTIPHOSPHOLIPID SYNDRONE

APS

( Commonly Known as STICKY BLOOD )

 

Major Factors in ttc unfortunateley results in Miscarriage if untreated.

This condition is relatively new to the open world of TTC and more and more research is being covered at last.

 

 What is Antiphospholipid Syndrome ?

APS is commonley known as Sticky Blood Syndrome,This is because all patients will have increased blood clotting (Thromboses) in the blood vessels.Any vessels or veins can be affected, It is not uncommon to have clotting in the legs.Almost certainley in pregnancy there is a increased risk of miscarriage due to the Placenta being affected by small clots,Unfortunateley during mid Pregnancy.

 

What is the cause of Antiphospholipid Syndrome ?

It is believed to be caused by Antiphospholipid Antibodies which actually accidentley attack the body tissue causing (Autoimmune Disease).Unlike a common antibodie which is produced to fight against Infection and Viruses.There are 2 forms of this condition the first above is classed as (Primary) The second being in connection with another (Autoimmune Disease)More commonley associated with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.Both forms of the condition are more common in women then in men.

 

What Are the Symptoms of APS ?

1. Abnormal Clotting
2. Swollen painful legs
3. Miscarriages week 12 or later
4. Severe migraines and headaches
5. Epilepsy
6. Sudden jerky movements

Secondary Symptoms of APS ?

Patients with underlying systemic lupus erythematosus may experience

1. Rash on the cheeks
2. Skin reaction to sunlight
3. Joint pains
4. Mouth Ulcers
5. Excessive hair loss
6. Dry Eyes
7. Very Cold and blueishe fingers
8. Sometimes sharp chest pains

 

How Can APS AFFECT PREGNANCY?

Recurring miscarriage in early pregnancy

Loss of a baby after the first trimester (13 weeks)

Pre-eclampsia in pregnancy

Unexpectedly small babies

Thrombosis in a vein or artery

 

How is APS Diagnoised ?

APS is diagnoised by either blood tests or referall to a specialist after consultation via a GP/DR, He/she will ask about clotting problems (legs,lungs)Previous strokes,Women will most definateley be asked about past pregnancies,complications,very specific about Miscarriages,and especially at which stage they may have occurred.Also if any of the above symptoms are present also.Often which also occurs is a lacy red rash (Livedo reticularis) is often found in APS over the wrists and knees.

A very simple bloodtest will detect APS.There are also other bloodtests which can be carried out to rule out underlying conditions such as Lupus erythematosus.

 

How is APS Treated ?

The main aim is to thin the blood first to avoid clotting,In Pregnancy with recurrent miscarriages,aspirin or heparin are used. Sometimes both.Heparin would have to be injected daily during pregnancy,You would learn to do this yourself, It is only a small injection under the skin,Or if you are afraid of needles a nurse would do this for you.

 

Light at the end of the tunnel

Women who have suffered recurrent miscarriages and had the heart ache and anxiety of not knowing why, Do go on to have successful pregnancies once the APS has been diagnoised and treated, Careful supervision is also given throughout pregnancy and regular scans will be done to check baby,s well being.

 

WAYS IN WHICH TO HELP YOURSELF

1. STOP SMOKING
2. OBTAIN A HEALTHY WEIGHT
3. TRY TO DO SOME SIMPLE EXERCISE DAILY
4. CHECKING BLOOD PRESSURE REGULARY
5. DO NOT USE THE COMBINED CONTRACEPTIVE PILL
6. HAVING CHOLESTERAL LEELS CHECKED

 

SOMETIMES THERE IS NO EXPLANATION AS TO WHY WE SUFFER A MISCARRIAGE.ALTHOUGH WE SEEM TO BLAME OURSELVES OR OTHERS FOR A REASON AND SEARCH EVERY AVENUE FOR A REASON,

WHEN INFACT IT COULD BRING SOME RELIEF TO COUPLES WHO HAVE BEEN DIAGNOISED TO SHARE AND UNDERSTAND THE CONDITION OF APS AND REUNITE IN THERE MOMENT OF GRIEF.

I DO HOPE THE INFORMATION ABOVE MAY HAVE HELPED THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN DIAGNOISED OR BEING TESTED FOR APS.

I feel strongly that more should have been done years ago to bring this condition to light and could have saved alot of heartache from recurrent miscarriages and the pain and anguish couples have had to endure.

Of course we are always here to share your pain for whatever reason someone may have suffered a miscarriage or loss in there lifes.

There is no real understanding unless you have fealt the pain yourself and by this your pain can be a comfort to others.who may well need you in there time of loss.

For more information regarding this condition

Please visit  www.hughes-syndrome.org.

 Joanna & Emma (Managers)

1sr May 2004

The Information Supplied in this web page are for information purposes only. The material is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified Doctor. The Information in this web page cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment.