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What is lupus anticoagulant and its diagnostic value

Lupus anticoagulant is a group of antibodies that the body's immune system produces against phospholipids (usually negatively charged, less neutral) – a complex of lipids that are part of cell membranes. VA belongs to the immunoglobulin G. it was First discovered in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus, that's why it got such a name.

After conducting research at the VA issued a conclusion:

  1. Positive – if found in the blood of lupus anticoagulant. The result can be supplemented by review: slightly, moderately, greatly.
  2. Negative – if the blood WA not found.

The results of the analysis are estimated as follows:

  • From 1.2 to 1.5 standard units is weakly positive, that is, a small amount of lupus anticoagulant and its activity is low.
  • From 1.5 to 2 moderate the content of the VA, there is a risk of thrombosis.
  • 2 units – a large number of ISLANDS, the high risk of thrombosis.

A positive result is possible with the following diagnoses:

  • APS (antiphospholipid syndrome);
  • SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus);
  • ulcerative colitis;
  • rheumatoid arthritis;
  • myeloma;
  • of the tumor.

Circulatory disorders in the brain associated with the appearance of antibodies to phospholipids, have features of clinical manifestations:

  • more often seen in women;
  • start at a young age;
  • have a tendency to recur.

Very often observed relapses in patients with ischemic stroke up to 70 %. Such patients are administered treatment with indirect anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents, as well as mandatory monitoring of the level of antibodies to phospholipids.

Learn more about drugs-blood thinners can be found here.

How to treat

If the blood found WA, you first need to find the cause. To do this, consult a therapist who either appoint the diagnosis and further treatment, or sent to another specialist. Usually it is a rheumatologist that deals with most of the pathologies associated with autoimmune lesions of the connective tissue.