Antiphospholipid syndrome, also known as “sticky blood,” is a potentially severe health condition characterized by an elevated propensity for blood to clot within the blood vessels, a state referred to as thrombosis.
Hughes’ syndrome is believed to be an autoimmune disorder, where the body’s immune system targets fat-containing molecules known as phospholipids that are dispersed throughout the body, especially in cell membranes. The condition can occur independently or alongside another autoimmune disease like systemic lupus erythematosus. It is most frequently observed in women.
Thrombi, or clots, can form in arteries and veins throughout the body, with the legs being the most commonly impacted area, a condition known as deep vein thrombosis. If a clot occurs in the brain, it can lead to areas of tissue being deprived of blood, resulting in symptoms such as headaches, migraines, and memory loss. In the lungs, clots can trigger shortness of breath, chest pain, or coughing up blood. Additional possible symptoms may include dizziness, balance disturbances, visual issues, and a sensation of “pins and needles.” The blood vessels beneath the skin, especially around the wrists and knees, can also be affected, leading to a red, net-like rash known as livedo reticularis.
The formation of clots within an artery can potentially lead to severe, life-endangering complications like myocardial infarction (heart attack), pulmonary embolism, transient ischemic attack, or stroke. These conditions might manifest at an unusually young age, under 45 years old. In expectant mothers, clot formation can occur in the placenta, interrupting the blood supply to the fetus and leading to miscarriage. Women with this condition may experience multiple consecutive miscarriages.
The treatment for Hughes’ syndrome involves the use of medications such as aspirin, heparin, or warfarin that lessen the blood’s propensity to clot. While the treatment duration might be long-term or even lifelong, it significantly enhances the prognosis. It allows individuals to lead a fully normal life and, for women within the childbearing age range, substantially decreases the risk of miscarriage.