BLOOD DISORDERS

CLOTTING DISORDER

Patients with lupus can be predisposed to formation of abnormal blood clots in veins and arteries. Reason is presence of abnormal antibodies ( antiphospholipid) and lupus anticoagulant antibody.

Partial Thromboplastin Time is a test used to detect antiphospholipid antibodies. Blood clots can also occur in arteries which can lead to stroke, heart attack, visual loss and other problems depending on area affected.

TREATMENT

treatment involves starting anticoagulant drugs which reduces body ability to form a blood clot. Injectable heparin is administered or oral form Coumadin. Pregnancy miscarriages are commonly encountered problem in patients with this syndrome. Patients are encouraged to seek medication when the discover a clot on their bodies.