DISEASES
description
Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a disorder of the immune system that is associated with an increased risk of blood clots in veins, arteries and capillaries throughout the body. APS is also an autoimmune condition, which means the immune system (which usually protects the body from infection and illness) attacks healthy tissue. People with APS are at greater risk of developing conditions such as: deep vein thrombosis (a blood clot that usually develops in the leg), arterial thrombosis (a clot in an artery which can cause a stroke or heart attack), blood clots in the brain (leading to problems with balance, mobility, vision, speech and memory), and pregnant women with APS also have an increased risk of having a miscarriage.
APS doesn’t always cause these noticeable problems, but some people have general symptoms that can be similar to those of other autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis (a common condition affecting the central nervous system). APS is labeled as primary if it is an entity of its own, or secondary if it is part of other autoimmune diseases, particularly SLE. In APS, the immune system produces abnormal antibodies and, although technically not correct, they are collectively referred to as “antiphospholipid antibodies”.
Mitogen offers three key autoimmune diagnostic tests to aid in the diagnosis of APS: Anti‐Beta-2 Glycoprotein 1 – Domain 1 Test, Anti-Phosphatidylserine / Prothrombin Complex Test, and Anti-Cardiolipin Test
Symptoms
- Blood clots in legs (DVT)
- Repeated miscarriages or stillbirths
- Stroke
- Transient ischemic attack (TIA)
- Rash (net pattern)