How is antiphospholipid syndrome treated?

How is antiphospholipid syndrome treated?

The main goal of treatment for antiphospholipid syndrome is to prevent further episodes of the medical conditions it is causing, whether that’s blood clots and/or miscarriages.

Blood thinners (anticoagulants) are generally used to prevent blood clots. Blood thinner medications that people with antiphospholipid syndrome may use include:

• IV heparin: If an individual is experiencing an acute blood clot, they will be given an IV of heparin, an anticoagulant, in the hospital.
• Oral warfarin (Coumadin): This blood thinner is a pill that is taken to prevent blood clots. People who have antiphospholipid syndrome often need to take an oral blood thinner for long periods of time.
• Aspirin: People with antiphospholipid syndrome who have had a blood clot in an artery may take aspirin, which can help prevent blood clots.

Individuals who have experienced recurrent miscarriages and who have been diagnosed with antiphospholipid syndrome may take the following medications to prevent another miscarriage and to deliver a healthy baby:

• Enoxaparin injections and low-dose aspirin: Enoxaparin shots and low-dose aspirin are the standard treatment for preventing miscarriages for people who have antiphospholipid syndrome. The combination therapy starts at the beginning of the pregnancy and continues in the period immediately after the delivery of the baby.
• IV immunoglobulin infusions: In more difficult cases of recurrent miscarriage, IV immunoglobulin infusions might be used. Immunoglobulin infusions are used to treat immune system disorders.
• Corticosteroids (prednisone): In more difficult cases of recurrent miscarriage, corticosteroids such as prednisone or prednisolone might be used.