When the blood does not flow smoothly and forms clots, it can lead to serious complications. When blood clots, it can block the blood flow and affect how that part of the body functions. If left unattended, it can also lead to life-threatening consequences. Have you heard of the autoimmune disease called Antiphospholipid syndrome? Do you know how it can impact a woman’s reproductive health? If not, this is for you.
Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune condition that increases the formation of blood clots in the body. Blood clots formed due to APS can have a severe impact and even cause strokes. In women, it can cause miscarriages or other pregnancy complications.
APS affects both men and women. However, it is more common among women, thus causing pregnancy complications.
APS does not cause any noticeable symptoms in most cases. Few people may experience mottled skin – a bluish-red lace-like pattern just beneath the skin surface. This happens when blood without oxygen pools under the skin’s surface. Some women may experience complications in their pregnancies.
APS causes more blood clots than usual. The common symptoms associated with blood clots are:
● Difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath
● Frequent headaches
● Pain in the chest
● Sudden pain in the arms, legs, neck or jaw
● Arm or leg swells or becomes red
● Stomach pain
APS is an autoimmune condition, meaning the immune system starts making antibodies to attack the body rather than protect it. When the immune system detects a problem or a foreign invader, it will start making antibodies to fight it off.
In APS, the immune system starts making antibodies to attack the protein bound to fat cells called phospholipids. The phospholipids get damaged over time and start clumping together, resulting in blood clots.
Three different antibodies produced by the immune system can cause APS. They are:
1. Lupus anticoagulant
2. Anticardiolipin
3. Anti-B2 glycoprotein 1
A person with a confirmed diagnosis of APS can have two or all three of the above-mentioned antibodies. Not all those suffering from APS will show symptoms. Despite knowing the causes, it is still not clear what triggers APS in people.
APS can affect anyone at any time in their lives. It is more likely to affect the following people:
● Female gender
● Aged between 30 and 40 years
● Suffering from other autoimmune conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.
● Close family members have APS.
● Blood clots can form anywhere in the body and block the blood vessels in any part of the body, like the brain, lungs, heart or kidneys.
● Blood clots can block the flow of blood and nutrients to the baby, leading to a miscarriage.
In very rare cases, APS can also lead to CAPS (Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome). CAPS is a severe complication where blood clots can form throughout the body and spread to the organs within a few days. In more than half the cases, CAPS is fatal.
APS does not present any symptoms, so diagnosis can be tricky. Doctors will check for APS only after unexplained blood clots or a miscarriage. Blood tests can help confirm an APS diagnosis.
Unlike other health issues, the APS blood test is slightly different.
The doctor will require a blood sample for three different tests. Each test screens for each of the three antiphospholipid antibodies. They will confirm APS only if at least one of the three blood tests comes back positive for APS twice. Each of these blood tests should be taken three or more months apart. If it turns positive each time, then the doctor will confirm an APS diagnosis.
Doctors will prescribe medications to prevent blood clots from forming. For women with APS who plan to conceive or are already pregnant, the doctors will keep a very close watch. The expecting mothers are given extra care as they are in the high-risk category.
APS can cause issues with a woman’s reproductive health and pregnancy in the following ways:
Miscarriage – APS can cause both early and late miscarriages. It can even cause stillbirths.
Placenta Issues – APS antibodies can negatively impact the functioning and development of the placenta. This, in turn, can lead to placental insufficiency, which can affect the baby’s development in the womb.
Preeclampsia – Preeclampsia is a serious health issue in pregnancy where the expecting mother’s blood pressure is very high and causes damage to the organs. APS increases the risk of preeclampsia.
Growth Restriction – The blood clots can prevent the smooth flow of blood and nutrients to the baby. As a result, the baby does not grow as expected and is very small or too light at birth.
Premature Delivery – APS increases the risk of premature delivery, where the baby is born before completing 37 weeks of gestation.
Affects IVF – Despite good quality embryos and prompt timing, APS can cause recurrent miscarriages.
Diminish Ovarian Reserve – APS can negatively impact the egg reserve in the body.
Affects Implantation – The APS antibodies can hinder embryo implantation.
Antiphospholipid syndrome is a serious complication that can turn fatal if left unattended. It can not only hinder one’s chances of conception but also affect the pregnancy outcome.
