Anticardiolipin antibodies attack cardiolipin and phospholipid in cell walls, causing blood clots and organ damage. Blood tests are used to diagnose the condition, and treatment includes blood thinners and careful monitoring.
Anticardiolipin antibodies are antibodies that the body creates to target cardiolipin and phospholipid. Cardiolipin is a part of the inner section of the mitochondrial membrane in cells. Phospholipid is an important part of the cell wall. The antibodies directly attack the cardiolipin and phospholipid of the cell walls.
Also called antiphospholipid syndrome, anti-cardiolipin antibodies occur due to specific problems, such as liveoid vasculitis, lupus, and syphilis. Although many people experience symptoms because a condition is present, some people may have no symptoms at all. It is often diagnosed when symptoms occur and become particularly bothersome to the sufferer.
When anticardiolipin antibodies are present, patients may experience frequent blood clots. These blood clots can be found in the legs, vital organs, and brain. Clots in the legs are known as deep vein thrombosis. Vital organs, such as the lungs, kidneys or heart, can be damaged and lead to organ failure. When clots occur in the brain, neurological symptoms or stroke are likely.
Only tests can confirm the presence of anticardiolipin antibodies. Blood tests can help detect antibodies. A specialist is likely to order the test as a diagnostic measure when trying to find the exact cause of a clot. For example, a gynecologist or obstetrician will order testing if you experience miscarriage or pregnancy complications, and a hematologist will look for the cause of the clots in your legs.
Blood test for anticardiolipin antibodies is done more than once. When multiple clots or pregnancy problems occur, a doctor will order testing. Typically two tests are done 12 weeks apart and antibodies must be present both times to confirm the diagnosis. In some cases it is necessary to perform more than two trials, also spaced 12 weeks apart.
If blood clots occur due to an underlying condition, you should start treatment for that condition. Treatment for recurring clots is also recommended. In many cases, doctors will prescribe blood thinners to help prevent clots from forming. Low-dose aspirin therapy may also be helpful.
Careful monitoring is essential. Patients taking medications should be checked for bleeding because blood thinners prevent blood from clotting. A small injury can be dangerous. Patients should also be observed for new clots or severe damage from existing clots. Women who are pregnant and on medications receive regular checkups and checkups to monitor the health of the unborn baby.
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