Diagnosis of Antiphospholipid Syndrome
Diagnosis of Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS) begins with a review of a patient’s medical history and a series of blood tests that check for the presence of antibodies that attack phospholipids. It is typical to perform these tests at least 12 weeks apart, to measure changes in the antibodies over time.
Treatment of Antiphospholipid Syndrome
- When APS is suspected, a patient should be referred to a rheumatologist for further evaluation and treatment. (Note that it is not always necessary to complete all of the blood tests for a doctor to suspect APS and seek a referral).
- There is currently no cure for APS. The goal of treatment is to prevent future blood clots from forming and to avoid additional damage to organs.
- Blood thinners (anticoagulants) are typically part of the treatment regimen, although these do not prevent all cases of blood clotting in APS. Additional medications and lifestyle changes may also be recommended for some patients.
- It’s estimated that 30 to 50 percent of people with APS also have a second autoimmune disease such as lupus. It is important to diagnose and control these conditions as well, in order to improve outcomes related to APS.
Make an Appointment
A doctor’s referral is recommended for new patients. Physicians can connect with the clinic by calling MLine, our 24/7 physician-to-physician portal, at 1-800-962-3555.
We recommend that new patients who are referred by doctors outside of Michigan Medicine bring copies of all laboratory and imaging tests to their first appointment. Access to the latest information allows us to develop a treatment plan as quickly as possible.
Existing patients who have questions about treatment or about scheduling or rescheduling appointments can phone the clinic directly at 1-888-229-3065.
To receive updates on our patient care and research efforts, please join our APS Program email list.