Antiphospholipid syndrome occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks some of the normal proteins in the blood, causing abnormal clotting. This condition is quite rare; most family doctors will never see anyone with this condition. Therefore, it is vitally important for your child to be immediately assessed by a pediatric rheumatologist if it is suspected that he or she might have antiphospholipid syndrome.
Antiphospholipid syndrome can cause blood clots to form in the arteries or veins of the fingers, toes, legs, kidneys, lungs or brain. Blood clots in the brain can cause stroke, which is a serious symptom of this condition. A heart attack, lung clot or pulmonary embolism (PE) may also be caused by this condition.
Other less common symptoms of antiphospholipid syndrome include:
- Neurological effects. This condition can cause restricted blood flow to the brain, which can lead to chronic headaches, migraines, dementia and seizures.
- Rash. A red rash with a lacy, net-like pattern—called livedo reticularis—can develop.
- Cardiovascular disease. Clotting caused by this condition can damage the heart valves.
- Bleeding. In some children with the condition, the blood platelet count is low.
Diagnosis of Antiphospholipid Syndrome
If your child’s rheumatologist suspects that he or she may have antiphospholipid syndrome, a series of blood tests will be conducted over the course of several weeks. The doctor will analyze your child’s blood for the presence of at least one of the following antibodies:
- Lupus anticoagulant
- Anti-cardiolipin
- Beta-2 glycoprotein I
In order to make a definitive diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome, at least one of these antibodies must be present in your child’s blood in at least two separate blood tests conducted 12 weeks apart. Your child’s doctor will begin to treat the condition as soon as it is recognized, which is sometimes before the definitive diagnosis at 12 weeks.
Treatments
Treatments
There is no cure for this condition, but your child’s doctor will use various medicines in order to reduce the risk of blood clots. The medicines used may include:
- Heparin. Usually, the doctor will give your child an injection of the blood thinner heparin combined with a pill that also thins the blood, such as warfarin. Blood thinners—also known as anticoagulants—reduce the chance of clotting.
- Warfarin. After your child takes blood thinners in both injection and pill form for several days, the doctor may discontinue the heparin and continue the warfarin, potentially for the rest of your child's life.
- Aspirin. In some cases, the doctor may recommend your child also take a low-dose aspirin each day.
- Immunosuppressants. Your child’s doctor may prescribe immunosuppressant medications in order to reduce the body’s production of the harmful autoantibodies.
If your child is taking anticoagulants, there are some safety measures that he or she can take to reduce the chance of bleeding. It is recommended that he or she:
- Avoid contact sports or other activities that could lead to bodily trauma or bruising
- Use a soft toothbrush and waxed floss
- Take extra care when using knives, scissors and other sharp objects
Blood clots related to this condition will be greatly reduced if your child takes the prescribed medicines and follows the lifestyle modifications recommended by the doctor.
Key Points to Remember
Key Points to Remember
- Antiphospholipid syndrome is a clotting disorder that is caused by an overactive immune system.
- Left untreated, the condition can cause blood clots in major organs or structures that can lead to tissue damage like stroke or pulmonary embolus.
- Your child’s doctor will run a series of blood tests over a 12-week time period in order to accurately diagnose the condition.
- There is no cure for antiphospholipid syndrome, but the related blood clotting can be controlled with blood thinners and immunosuppressant medicines.
Support Services & Resources
Support Services & Resources
Visit the trusted websites below to learn more about antiphospholipid syndrome.
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The American College of Rheumatology provides detailed information about antiphospholipid syndrome.
Locations
Locations
Locations
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