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What Is APS?

APS is an acronym for antiphospholipid syndrome. It is an autoimmune disease that causes the body to produce antibodies that fight against otherwise healthy, normal parts of cell membranes and blood.

  1. Facts

    • Antiphospholipid syndrome is presumed to affect 1 percent to 5 percent of the population. Fifteen percent to 20 percent of all blood clots in larger veins are due to APS. APS is the cause of nearly one-third of the strokes that occur in young people. Between 75 percent and 90 percent of APS cases involve women.

    Features

    • People affected by APS are at risk of blood clots in the veins and arteries as well as blood clots that travel into the lungs, also known as pulmonary embolisms. Women with APS are more at risk of miscarriage.

    Considerations

    • People affected by APS may tend to bruise more easily. Also, minor cuts and scrapes may bleed longer. Injuries sustained while a person is on anticoagulants can be much more serious.

    Treatment

    • There is currently no cure for APS. The most popular treatment is anticoagulant therapy for those who have had blood clots. This treatment usually helps prevent further clotting.

    Warnings

    • APS and blood clots can lead to heart attack, stroke and other clots. Medical assistance should be sought immediately if any of these occur.

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