Catastrophic Antiphospholipid Syndrome
Overview
A very rare disorder where the blood clotting system becomes dysfunctional and clots too easily due to the abnormal presence of antphospholipid antibodies . It results in blood flow blockages to various body organs. It is possible that the condition has autoimmune origins. The disorder is often triggered by infections, certain drugs (e.g. anticoagulants), minor surgery and hysterectomy.
Symptoms
* Excessive blood coagulation * Kidney dysfunction * Reduced urine output * Absent urine output * High blood pressure * Confusion * Coma * Behavioral changes * Seizures * Blindness * Emotional instability * Breathing difficulty * Nonproductive cough * Bleeding in the brain * Left ventricular failure * Thrombocytopenia * Fever
Prognosis
Prognosis of Catastrophic Antiphospholipid Syndrome: prompt diagnosis and treatment is needed to prevent severe organ damage or death
Treatment
Treatments may involve the following steps: * Prevention includes the use of antibiotics for infection and parenteral anticoagulation for susceptible patients. * Specific therapy includes the use of intravenous heparin, corticosteroids, and possibly plasma exchanges, intravenous immunoglobulin. * Additional steps may have to be taken to manage circulatory problems, renal failure, and respiratory distress.