How to Treat Lupus Anticoagulants

Lupus Anticoagulants is a condition where autoantibodies attach themselves to the phospholipids and proteins of the cell membrane. Lupus anticoagulants have several risk factors for thrombosis because they interfere with blood clotting. People with lupus erythematosus are more likely to develop lupus anticoagulants than the average person. The disease causes joint pains, skin problems and renal failure. The causes of lupus anticoagulants is usually an association with autoimmune diseases. The cause could also be tied to certain medications, such as birth control pills, phenytoin, quinin, amoxcillin and hydralazine. Lupus anticoagulants has also been found in patients with certain bowel diseases. There may be other complications that comes with it, such as, thrombosis, excessive bleeding and multiple miscarriages. There aren't many treatment options for lupus anticoagulants. This article goes over the few treatments that are currently available for the condition. Patients with no previous history of lupus anticoagulants or thrombosis are usually just observed. If no symtoms are present, then treatment isn't necessary.

Instructions

1. Seek medical attention. In most causes lupus anticoagulants is diagnosed after a miscarriage or during pregnancy. If symptoms are present, call your doctor and ask to be tested for lupus anticoagulants.

2. Get tests done. There are three different types of tests and exams that have to be done in order to diagnose lupus anticoagulants. They are a Partial Thromboplastin Time (PTT), Thrombplastin Inhibition test and Russl Viper Venom time exam. If there aren't any symptoms present during the time of diagnosis, you doctor may suggest no treatment. If there are symptons, then the necessary medication will be administered.

3. Take prednisone. This is an immunosuppressive agent and is given to eliminate the lupus anticoagulant. It is very fast at eliminating the condition but doesn't necessarily remove the risk or events of thrombosis.

4. Take anticoagulants on a regular basis if you are a patient with a history of recurring thrombosis. This treatment usually involves receiving heparin in an IV form. Warfarin therapy follows thereafter and continues for life.

5. Pregnant patients should receive low molecular weight heparins to avoid the risk of miscarriage that comes with the lupus anticoagulant.

Tips & Warnings

• Warfarin is a type of anticoagulants.

• Steroids can also be given to help lower the antibody levels in the body but they don't necessarily lower the risk of clotting.

• A way to notice blood clogs is to see if there if there is swelling or redness in the leg with a shortness of breath. Numbness or pain in the arm is also signs. If you experience blood clots, contact your health care professional.