Sign in  |  Register

Illustrated Health Encyclopedia
[an error occurred while processing this directive]

Ency. home > Disease > L > Lupus anticoagulants

Lupus anticoagulants    See images

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Definition:

Lupus anticoagulants are antibodies against phospholipids (a group of substances in cell membranes) which inhibit blood clotting in a test tube, but may be associated with a higher risk of clotting in people who have them in their blood.

Causes and Risks

Lupus anticoagulants are found in people with auto-immune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosis (SLE) and also in those taking certain medications, such as phenothiazines.

Some people with these antibodies have no clear, predisposing factor. In some cases, the condition is associated with an increased risk of blood clots and it may be the cause of recurrent miscarriages.

Ency. home > Disease > L > Lupus anticoagulants

[an error occurred while processing this directive]