Hughes syndrome
Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), sometimes known as Hughes syndrome, is a disorder of the immune system that causes an increased risk of blood clots.
This means people withAPS are at greaterrisk of developing conditions such as:
Pregnant women with APS also have an increased risk of having a miscarriage , although the exact reasons for this are uncertain.
APS doesn't always cause noticeable problems, but some peoplehave general symptoms that can be similar to those of multiple sclerosis (a common condition affecting the central nervous system). This means the immune system, which usually protects the body from infection and illness, attacks healthy tissue by mistake.
In APS, the immune system produces abnormal antibodies called antiphospholipid antibodies. Thesetarget proteins attached to fat molecules (phospholipids), which makes the blood more likely to clot.
It's not known what causes the immune system to produce abnormal antibodies. As with other autoimmune conditions, genetic, hormonal and environmental factors are thought to play a part.
Therefore, blood tests to identify the antibodies responsible for APS are essential in diagnosing the condition.
These reduce the likelihood of unnecessary blood clots forming but still allow clots to form when you cut yourself.
Treatment with these medications can also improve a pregnant woman's chance of having a successful pregnancy. With treatment, it's estimated there's about an 80% chance of having a successful pregnancy.
Most people respond well to treatment and can lead normal, healthy lives. However, a small number of people with APS continue to experience blood clots despite extensive treatment.
CAPS requires immediate emergency treatment in hospital with high-dose anticoagulants .
Readmore about catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (CAPS) .
If you have APS, your clinical team will pass information about you on to the National Congenital Anomaly and Rare Diseases Registration Service (NCARDRS).
This helps scientists look for better ways to prevent and treat this condition. You can opt out of the register at any time.
Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), also known as Hughes syndrome, is a disorder of the immune system that causes an increased risk of blood clots.
In antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), the immune system produces abnormal antibodies which make the blood stickier than normal.
Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is caused by the bodys immune system producing abnormal antibodies called antiphospholipid antibodies.
It is very important that an accurate diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is made because the blood clots that occur as a result of APS can have serious consequences.
Treatment for antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) aims to reduce your risk of developing more blood clots.
Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (CAPS) is a rare but very serious complication of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS).