Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome is an autoimmune disorder. Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome happens when antibodies attack normal phospholipid cells instead of infections. This damages blood cells and causes blood clots, which can block blood flow. Clots may form in the brain, kidneys, lungs, legs or elsewhere in the body.
Symptoms of Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome
Symptoms of antiphospholipid antibody syndrome include:
- chest pain
- shortness of breath
- limbs that redden or swell
- headaches
- nausea
- unexplained bleeding
Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome can lead to stroke, heart attack, pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and pregnancy complications including miscarriage and stillbirth. Anyone can have this condition, but it occurs more often in women and in people with rheumatic or autoimmune diseases, such as lupus.