Lupus anticoagulant
Lupus Anticoagulant
Lupus anticoagulant (pronounced: loo-pus anti-co-ag-u-lant) is a type of antibody produced by the body's immune system. The term "lupus anticoagulant" is derived from the Latin word "lupus," meaning wolf, and the term "anticoagulant," which refers to a substance that prevents coagulation (clotting) of blood.
Definition
Lupus anticoagulant is an immunoglobulin that binds to phospholipids and proteins associated with the cell membrane. This binding interferes with the normal function of the blood clotting process, leading to an increased risk of developing blood clots in veins or arteries, a condition known as thrombosis.
Associated Conditions
Lupus anticoagulant is most commonly associated with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), but it can also be found in individuals without lupus. It is also associated with Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS), a disorder that can cause miscarriage, stroke, and deep vein thrombosis.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of lupus anticoagulant is typically made through a series of blood tests, including the dilute Russell's viper venom time (dRVVT) test and the kaolin clotting time (KCT) test. These tests measure the time it takes for blood to clot in a test tube, which is prolonged in the presence of lupus anticoagulant.
Treatment
Treatment for lupus anticoagulant typically involves anticoagulant therapy, such as warfarin or heparin, to reduce the risk of blood clot formation. In some cases, immunosuppressive therapy may also be used.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Lupus anticoagulant
- Wikipedia's article - Lupus anticoagulant
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