Lupus anticoagulants are antibodies against substances in the lining of cells. These substances prevent blood clotting in a test tube. They are called phospholipids. People with antibodies to phospholipids (aPL) may have a very high risk of forming blood clots. They attack phospholipids, which are essential components of cell membranes. LAs are associated with an immune system disorder known as antiphospholipid syndrome.
Lupus anticoagulants can increase the risk of blood clots. However, antibodies can also be present and not lead to a clot.
Normal values range from 20 to 39 GPL or MPL units.
SYMPTOMS:
If you develop a blood clot in one of your arms or legs, symptoms may include:
A blood clot in the area of your heart or lungs may cause:
Blood clots in your stomach or kidneys may lead to:
Blood clots can be life-threatening if they aren’t treated promptly.
CAUSES:
Most often, lupus anticoagulants and aPL are found in people with diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
Lupus anticoagulants and aPL may also occur if:
Some people have no risk factors for this condition.
TREATMENT:
LUPUS ANTICOAGULANT OR APL
Often, you will not need treatment if you do not have symptoms or if you have never had a blood clot in the past.
Take the following steps to help prevent blood clots from forming:
You will be prescribed blood-thinning medicines (such as heparin and warfarin) to help prevent blood clots:
You may also need to take blood thinners for 3 to 4 weeks after surgery to lower your risk of blood clots.
ANTIPHOSPHOLIPID ANTIBODY SYNDROME (APS)
In general, you will need long-term treatment with a blood thinner for a long time if you have the APS. Initial treatment may be heparin, either unfractionated or low-molecular heparin. These medicines are given by injection.
In most cases, warfarin (Coumadin), which is given by mouth, is then started. It is necessary to monitor the level of anticoagulation frequently. This is most often done using the INR test.
If you have APS and become pregnant, you will need to be followed closely by a provider expert in this condition. You will not take warfarin during pregnancy, but will be given low-molecular weight heparin instead.
If you have SLE and APS your provider will also recommend that you take hydroxychloroquine.
Also Known As: LA, LAC, Lupus Anticoagulant Panel, Lupus Inhibitor, LA Sensitive PTT, PTT-LA, Dilute Russell Viper Venom Test, DRVVT, Modified Russell Viper Venom Test, MRVVT
Formal Name: Lupus Anticoagulant
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14.3.3 ETA PROTEIN, Acetylcholine Receptor (AChR) Antibody, Activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), Alpha 2-Macroglobulins, Qn, ANA SCREEN, IFA, ANA titer, Anti-DBL-Strand DNA Ab, Anti-Smith Antibody, Anticardiolipin Ab, IgM, Anticardiolipin Ab,IgA,Qn, Anticardiolipin Ab,IgG,Qn, Antinuclear Antibodies Direct (ANA Direct), Antiphosphatidylserine IgA, Antiphosphatidylserine IgG, Antiphosphatidylserine IgM, C1 Esterase Inhibitor, Func, C1 Esterase Inhibitor, Serum, C3A Desarg Fragment, CARDIOLIPIN AB (IGA), CARDIOLIPIN AB (IGG), CARDIOLIPIN AB (IGM), CCP Antibodies IgG/IgA, Complement C3, Complement C3a, Complement C4, Serum, Complement C4a, Complement, Total (CH50), Complement, Total (CH50) / Quest, Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Antibody, Dilute Russell's viper venom time (dRVVT), DRVVT SCREEN, ds-DNA Antibody, IgG, Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR), Free Kappa Lt Chains, Serum, Free Lambda Lt Chains, Serum, Gastrin, Histamine, Plasma, HLA-B27 (Human Leukocyte Antigen B27), Immature Grans (Abs), Immature Granulocytes (%), Immunofixation Result, Serum, Immunoglobulin A, Qn, Serum, Immunoglobulin D, Quant, Serum, Immunoglobulin E, Total, Immunoglobulin G, Qn, Serum, Immunoglobulin M, Qn, Serum, Interleukin-2, Serum, Interleukin-6, Jo 1 Antibodies, IgG, Serum, Kappa/Lambda Ratio, Serum, Liver-Kidney Microsomal Antibodies, Lupus Anticoagulant, PHOSPHATIDYLETHANOLAMINE AB (IGA), PHOSPHATIDYLETHANOLAMINE AB (IGG), PHOSPHATIDYLETHANOLAMINE AB (IGM), PHOSPHATIDYLSERINE AB (IGA), PHOSPHATIDYLSERINE AB (IGG), PHOSPHATIDYLSERINE AB (IGM), Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor (PAI-1) AG, Prothrombin Fragment 1.2, Prothrombin Time (PT), Prothrombin Time (PT) INR, RA Latex Turbid, Reptilase Clotting Time, Rheumatoid factor, TGF-b1, Thrombin time, Thrombin-Antithrombin TAT, Transforming Growth Factor beta, Plasma, Tryptase, VEGF, Plasma