Antiphospholipid syndrome Q&As
Published by Bupa's health information team, May 2009.
Answers to questions about antiphospholipid syndrome
This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.
- What type of doctor will I need to see to be treated for antiphospholipid syndrome?
- Does anti-coagulation medication have any side-effects?
- How long will I need to take anti-coagulation medication for?
What type of doctor will I need to see to be treated for antiphospholipid syndrome?
Your GP may refer you to a number of different doctors, depending on what your symptoms are, and which parts of your body are affected.
Explanation
Antiphospholipid syndrome can cause many different symptoms, depending on which of your organs are affected. You may be referred to:
- a rheumatologist - a doctor who specialises in conditions affecting your musculoskeletal system
- an obstetrician - a doctor who specialises in pregnancy; you may need to see an obstetrician who has special experience in high risk pregnancies
- a neurologist - a doctor who specialises in disorders of the nervous system
- a cardiologist - a doctor who specialises in conditions of the heart
- a respiratory physician - a doctor who specialises in conditions of the lungs
- an ophthalmologist - a doctor who specialises in eye health
- a dermatologist - a doctor who specialises in skin conditions
- a haematologist - a doctor who specialises in blood disorders
Sources
- Simon C, Everitt H, and Kendrick T. Oxford Handbook of General Practice. 2nd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2005: 780, 584, 786
- Antiphospholipid syndrome. Arthritis Research Campaign. www.arc.org.uk, accessed 22 January 2009
- Antiphospholipid Syndrome. emedicine. www.emedicine.medscape.com, accessed 15 January 2009
Does anti-coagulation medication have any side-effects?
Yes, it's possible that you may experience some side-effects while taking anti-coagulation medication.
Explanation
There are three drugs that are commonly prescribed to treat antiphospholipid syndrome. Two of these are anticoagulant (anti-clotting) drugs - heparin and warfarin. The third is aspirin, an anti-platelet agent.
The most serious side-effect of warfarin is bleeding. Side-effects are rare if you're taking the correct dose. To make sure you're taking the right dose, you will need to have regular blood tests. These tests can be done at your GP surgery or a hospital clinic. Sometimes, people are able to test their blood themselves using a special self-testing machine.
Heparin can also cause bleeding and it increases your risk of getting osteoporosis, a condition where your bones gradually become more fragile. You may be prescribed heparin for a short period of time, for example if you're pregnant and have suffered from complications during pregnancy in the past.
Aspirin can have some side-effects that affect your stomach and intestines, including indigestion.
Sources
- Treatment. Hughes Syndrome Foundation. www.hughes-syndrome.org, accessed 15 January 2009
- Antiphospholipid syndrome. Arthritis Research Campaign. www.arc.org.uk, accessed 22 January 2009
- Joint Formulary Committee, British National Formulary. 55 ed. London: British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, 2008
- Osteoporosis. Arthritis Research Campaign. www.arc.org.uk, accessed 23 January 2009
How long will I need to take anti-coagulation medication for?
If you have had a blood clot caused by antiphospholipid syndrome, you will probably need long-term treatment.
Explanation
Treatment of antiphospholipid syndrome is aimed at thinning your blood, to reduce the likelihood of it clotting. If you have antiphospholipid syndrome, you will usually need to take anticoagulant (anti-clotting) medication. You may be prescribed heparin, warfarin or aspirin.
If you have antiphospholipid syndrome and have had a blood clot, there is a high risk of you developing another one if you stop taking your medication. Therefore you will probably need to take medication long-term. You may need to take medication for the rest of your life because stopping your treatment could mean that blood clots re-occur.
Sources
- Lim W, Crowther MA, and Eikelboom JW. Management of Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome: A Systematic Review. JAMA, 2006; 295(9):1050-57
- Treatment. Hughes Syndrome Foundation. www.hughes-syndrome.org, accessed 15 January 2009
- Diagnosis. Hughes Syndrome Foundation. www.hughes-syndrome.org, accessed 15 January 2009
This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for advice from a qualified health professional.
Publication date: May 2009
Antiphospholipid syndrome factsheet
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