Antiphospholipid Syndrome

Definition: 

Hypercoagulable state that can be idiopathic or associated w\ SLE or scleroderma

Presentation: 

• Recurrent arterial \ venous thrombosis (risk of PE)
• Recurrent fetal loss (bc of anticardiolipin Abs)
• Thrombocytopenia
• Livedo reticularis

Diagnosis:

• Best initial test: mixing study -> aPTT will remain elevated
• Presence of lupus anticoagulant, anticardiolipin, or both

Treatment:

Life-long anti-coagulation

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References:

• Step up to medicine
• Pocket medicine
• Toronto notes