Phospholipid antibodies
Antiphospholipid antibodies, phospholipid antibodies from serum. (code PHOSAK from serum).
Blood tests to clarify an antiphospholipid syndrome
This test is requested by physicians who are engaged in fertility treatment.
Phospholipid antibodies are diagnostic markers of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS).
This test consists of the following measurements:
- Cardiolipin antibodies (IgG),
- Cardiolipin antibodies (IgM),
- Beta-2-glycoprotein antibodies (IgG) and
- Beta-2-glycoprotein (IgM)
Antiphospholipid syndrome (in English: antiphospholipid syndrome, APS) is an autoimmune disease in which the body forms clots in blood vessels (thrombosis) too quickly. The immune system protects the body from pathogens and foreign substances.
In an autoimmune disease, the immune system is dysregulated, causing an inflammatory response against substances in the body. The immune system of patients with APS makes inflammatory proteins against substances in the blood. These inflammatory proteins are called "antiphospholipid antibodies." Antiphospholipid antibodies not only increase the risk of thrombosis, but also of pregnancy problems such as miscarriages and premature births.
When is APS diagnosed?
A diagnosis of APS is made when antiphospholipid antibodies are detected in the blood of a patient with thrombosis or pregnancy problems. Although thrombosis in APS patients can occur in any vein or artery, thrombotic leg and cerebral infarction are the most common. APS is a rare disease: there are an estimated 1000 to 2000 patients in the Netherlands. APS affects both men and women, but is more commonly seen in women. About half of all patients with APS also have another autoimmune disease, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
In addition to symptoms directly caused by thrombosis, several other symptoms are more commonly seen and reported by patients in APS. Skin abnormalities (very poorly healing wounds or a typical reticulated discoloration), migraines and epilepsy are often reported in people with APS. Abnormalities of heart valves, decreased amounts of platelets, and abnormalities of kidneys are also more common in APS patients.
What are the treatment options for patients with APS?
The risk of a second thrombosis in APS is high. Therefore, patients are treated with blood thinners for a long time, often even for life. In addition, it is sometimes necessary to give anti-inflammatory drugs. Because APS is a rare disease, it is not always recognized by treating physicians and it can take a long time to diagnose APS.
To improve the care of APS patients, an APS working group has been started within the ARCH (Arthritis Research and Collaboration Hub) initiative. This working group consists of representatives from all medical specialties that treat APS patients. Currently, the working group is making an inventory of what the best treatment is for APS patients and which medical specialists in the Netherlands have the most experience with APS. The goal is to create a national knowledge platform for APS, so that optimal care becomes accessible to every APS patient in the Netherlands. Although APS is a rare disease, much research is being done internationally. This research focuses on the treatment and diagnosis of the disease, but also on the underlying cause of the thrombosis tendency.
method ELISA (EIA)
The test is analyzed daily.
