Anti-phospholipid Syndrome

Question 1

What characterises Anti-phospholipid syndrome?

Answer 1

• venous and arterial clots
• recurrent fetal loss
• thrombocytopenia

Question 2

By what two methods can anti-phospholipid syndrome occur?

Answer 2

Primary disorder

Secondary to other conditions e.g. SLE

Question 3

Complications of anti-phospholipid syndrome in pregnancy

Answer 3

recurrent miscarriage
IUGR
pre-eclampsia
placental abruption
pre-term delivery
venous thromboembolism

Question 4

Management of anti-phospholipid syndrome in pregnancy

Answer 4

• low-dose aspirin starts once the pregnancy is confirmed
• LMWH starts once a fetal heart is seen on US (stops at 34 weeks)