Autoimmune/Rheumatic

Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS)

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system produces abnormal antibodies against phospholipids — a type of fat — in the blood. APS can cause blood clots to form in arteries and veins, as well as pregnancy complications such as miscarriages and preterm births. It may occur alone or with another autoimmune disease such as lupus.

7

Symptoms

2

Causes

4

Treatments

2

Prevention

Condition Overview

Understand key symptoms, causes, diagnosis options, and treatment pathways for Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS). This overview is intended for patient awareness and should be followed by specialist consultation.

AutoimmuneRheumaticPrevalence Available

Need Help?

Our specialists can guide you through symptoms and treatment options.

Book Appointment

24/7 Emergency: +91 1800-MEDICARE

Symptoms

  • Blood clots in legs (DVT)
  • Blood clots in lungs (pulmonary embolism)
  • Stroke
  • Repeated miscarriages
  • Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia)
  • Lacy, net-like purplish skin rash (livedo reticularis)
  • Headaches or migraines

Causes

  • Autoimmune antibodies (antiphospholipid antibodies: anticardiolipin, anti-β2 glycoprotein I, lupus anticoagulant)
  • May be triggered by infections, medications

Diagnosis

  • Blood tests for antiphospholipid antibodies (twice at least 12 weeks apart)
  • CBC
  • Clotting tests

Treatment

  • Blood thinners (anticoagulants: warfarin, heparin)
  • Low-dose aspirin
  • Hydroxychloroquine
  • Statins

Risk Factors

  • Having lupus or another autoimmune disease
  • History of blood clots
  • Family history

Prevention

  • No direct prevention
  • Careful management of anticoagulation therapy

Prevalence

APS occurs in about 1–5% of the general population; seen in 15–20% of people with recurrent miscarriages.