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:
- Positive – if found in the blood of lupus anticoagulant. The result can be supplemented by review: slightly, moderately, greatly.
- 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.