Antiphospholipid Syndrome – Symptoms and Causes

Overview

Antiphospholipid syndrome occurs when the immune system incorrectly produces antibodies that attack body tissues. These antibodies can cause dangerous blood clots in arteries and veins throughout the body.

These clots may form in the legs, lungs, kidneys, and spleen, potentially leading to serious health problems like stroke or heart attack.

During pregnancy, this condition increases the risk of miscarriage and stillbirth. Some people with antiphospholipid syndrome show no symptoms at all.

While there is no cure for this rare condition, healthcare providers can prescribe medications that:

• Reduce blood clot formation
• Lower the risk of miscarriage
• Help manage symptoms

Symptoms

Antiphospholipid syndrome can cause various health problems.

Blood clots in the legs, known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), may cause pain, swelling, and redness. These clots can sometimes travel to the lungs, creating a dangerous condition called a pulmonary embolism.

Pregnancy complications are common with this condition. Women might experience multiple miscarriages, stillbirths, preeclampsia (dangerous high blood pressure during pregnancy), or deliver babies too early.

The syndrome can affect the brain, causing strokes even in young people without typical risk factors. Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs or “mini-strokes”) may occur, causing temporary symptoms that resolve without permanent damage.

Some people develop a distinctive rash with a lacy, net-like pattern on their skin.

Less common symptoms include:

• Neurological issues such as chronic headaches, migraines, seizures, or dementia
• Heart valve damage
• Low blood platelet counts (thrombocytopenia), which may cause:
  • Bleeding from the nose or gums
  • Small red spots on the skin (petechiae)

These symptoms can vary widely between individuals, and some people might experience only a few or many of these signs.

When to See a Doctor

Contact your healthcare provider if you notice:

• Unexplained bleeding from nose or gums
• Unusually heavy menstrual flow
• Vomit that is bright red or resembles coffee grounds
• Black, tarry stool or bright red stool
• Unexplained stomach pain

Get emergency help immediately if you experience signs of:

1. Stroke: Sudden numbness or weakness in your face, arm, or leg; trouble speaking or understanding speech; vision problems; severe headache.
2. Pulmonary Embolism: Sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing up blood-streaked mucus.
3. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Swelling, redness, or pain in a leg or arm.

These symptoms require prompt medical attention. Don’t wait to see if they improve on their own.

Causes

Antiphospholipid syndrome develops when the immune system creates antibodies that incorrectly target the body instead of protecting it. These antibodies increase blood clotting risk significantly.

The syndrome can appear in two main ways. It may develop alongside other autoimmune disorders as a secondary condition. Alternatively, it can occur on its own with no identifiable underlying cause, which doctors call primary antiphospholipid syndrome.

Risk Factors

Women face higher odds of getting antiphospholipid syndrome than men. People with other autoimmune diseases, particularly lupus, have an increased chance of developing this condition.

Some individuals may carry the antibodies linked to this syndrome without showing symptoms. However, certain situations can trigger blood clots in these people:

• Pregnancy
• Extended periods of limited movement (bed rest, long flights)
• Surgical procedures
• Cigarette smoking
• Use of oral contraceptives or estrogen replacement therapy
• Elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels

These factors significantly raise the risk of developing dangerous blood clots in people who have the antibodies associated with antiphospholipid syndrome.

Complications

Antiphospholipid syndrome can lead to several serious health problems throughout the body.

Kidney problems may develop when blood flow to the kidneys decreases. In some cases, this can cause kidney failure.

Brain complications include strokes that happen when blood can’t reach parts of the brain properly. This can cause lasting damage like partial paralysis or speech difficulties.

Heart and blood vessel issues are common complications. Blood clots in the legs can damage vein valves, leading to chronic swelling and skin discoloration. The heart itself may also suffer damage.

Respiratory complications include high blood pressure in the lungs and dangerous blood clots called pulmonary embolisms.

Pregnancy risks are significant with this condition. They include:

• Miscarriages
• Stillbirths
• Early delivery
• Poor fetal growth
• Preeclampsia (dangerous high blood pressure during pregnancy)

In rare but severe cases, antiphospholipid syndrome can cause rapid damage to multiple organs in a short period.