Antiphospholipid Syndrome Treatment in Indore

Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disease that is chronic and autoimmune as the immune system produces antibodies that target phospholipids (aPL).

These antibodies destroy normal blood proteins, leading to the blood clotting easily as opposed to normal blood.

APS may cause recurring blood clots, pregnancy complications and may spread to many organs.

It is a condition also referred to as Hughes Syndrome.

Types of APS

1. Primary APS

Appears independently and without any other autoimmune disease.

2. Secondary APS

Comes with another autoimmune disorder, which is mostly Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).

Causes & Risk Factors

The cause of APS is the production of given antibodies:

Lupus anticoagulant (LA)

Anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL)

Anti-beta 2-glycoprotein I antibodies (anti-2GPI)

Risk Factors

Autoimmune diseases in the family history.

Infections

Certain medications

Other autoimmune disorders (in particular, lupus)

Smoking

Prolonged immobilization

Pregnancy

The Mechanism of the Effects of APS on the Body.

These are abnormal antibodies that result in:

Thickening of blood

Formation of clots in the veins or arteries.

Blood vessel inflammation.

The result of this is the development of serious complications in the:

Legs (deep vein thrombosis)

Lungs (pulmonary embolism)

Brain (strokes, migraines)

Heart (heart attack)

Kidneys

Pregnancy (miscarriage, stillbirth, growth retardation)

Symptoms of APS

The symptoms depend on the affected organ of a blood clot.

Blood Clot–Related Symptoms

Swelling and pain in the legs (DVT)

Acute asthma (pulmonary embolism)

Chest pain

Weakness or paralysis (stroke) out of the blue.

Severe headache or migraine

Vision disturbances

Seizures in some cases

Skin Symptoms

Livedo reticularis (purple spots and dots pattern of the skin)

Skin ulcers (rare)

Pregnancy-related Symptoms

Recurrent miscarriages

Pre-eclampsia

Stillbirth

Preterm birth caused by placenta issues.

Diagnosis

APS demands clinical manifestations as well as positive laboratory tests.

Clinical Criteria

One or more blood clots

Complications during pregnancy (recurring miscarriages, infant death, severe pre-eclampsia)

Laboratory Tests

Blood tests should indicate positive blood antibodies, a minimum of 12 weeks apart:

Lupus anticoagulant (LA)

Anticardiolipin IgG/IgM

Anti-β2 glycoprotein I IgG/IgM

Imaging

Doppler ultrasound

CT/MRI for clots

Conventional Treatment

It has no cure, but it can be treated so that it does not develop serious complications.

1. Anticoagulants (Main Treatment)

Warfarin (long-term)

Heparin/LMWH (during pregnancy)

Aspirin (low dose)

These reduce blood clot risk.

2. In Pregnancy

Low-molecular-weight heparin + low-dose aspirin.

Significantly increases the success of pregnancy.

3. Immune Management

Used in rare or severe cases:

Hydroxychloroquine

Steroids (short-term)

Immunosuppressants

4. Lifestyle Changes

Avoid smoking

Regular movement

Manage blood pressure and cholesterol.

Do not use drugs that have estrogens.

Lifestyle, Supportive and Integrative Care.

The use of supportive measures (helpful but not a substitute for anticoagulants) can also be employed.

1. Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Omega-3 (flaxseed, fish, walnuts)

Fruits & vegetables

Whole grains

Minimise sugar and processed food.

2. Yoga & Stress Reduction

Light yoga, pranayama, and meditation can be used to mitigate inflammation and stress, which can be used to regulate autoimmune activity.

3. Treatment/Homoeopathy / Ayurveda / Integrative Medicine.

Complementary care used to support:

Stress management

Digestive health

Sleep

Overall well-being

These are not substitutes for blood thinner therapy, as they can help improve the quality of life with proper use and supervision.

Complications

If untreated:

Stroke

Pulmonary embolism

Heart attack

Kidney damage

Skin necrosis

Recurrent pregnancy loss

Catastrophic APS (threat to life, sudden clotting in the organs, etc.)

Prognosis

Most of the patients lead a normal, healthy and active life with proper treatment, particularly lifelong anticoagulation.

When proper medical care is taken, the results of pregnancy will improve greatly.