What Is Antiphospholipid Syndrome?
10. Treatment and Management
Antiphospholipid syndrome cannot be cured; however, actions can be taken to prevent clinical events (thrombosis). The first step in prevention is the elimination/ treatment of risk factors like oral contraceptives, tobacco use, high blood pressure, and hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol/ triglycerides). Also, when a person with this disease requires surgery or hospitalization, preventive measures in the form of antiplatelet medication can also be used. Patients with other associated diseases (i.e. Systemic lupus erythematosus) might require other medications.
When a person with antiphospholipid syndrome develops a thrombotic episode, standard initial treatment involves a combination of blood-thinning medications (heparin and warfarin). These drugs increase the risk of bleeding episodes; thus, doctors must monitor the dosage closely (with blood tests).
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