lupus anticoagulant weak positive

[Jo Nuttall]

:wacko: I have had two miscarriages, one last August and one this March. My partner and I decided to have some tests done before trying again. The tests came back showing large platelets. I had further tests done to test for lupus anti-coagulant that have come back today showing a weak positive. The doctor is going to contact a haematologist to see if there is any connection. Are there any further tests that can be done? Can anyone help?!

[cath]

Dear Jo,

I'm sorry to hear about your problems......

Do you have a Lupus diagnosis, other illnesses, or are the miscarriages your only concern?

There are three tests which can be done to look for APS/ hughes syndrome. APS is one of many possible causes for misscariage.

These are: False positive syphilis test, anticardiolipid antibodies and the lupus anticoagulant. People with APS can have a positive result in 1, 2 or all 3 of these tests.

To get a diagnosis of APS, generally you need:
a) a positive result in one of these tests, and to have that confirmed at least one other time generally six weeks later.

PLUS

B) three first trimester misscariages (before 12 weeks)
OR
1 or more late misscarriage or stillbirth
OR
another clotting accident eg stroke, DVT, heart attack.


Do you have any live children?
How many weeks were you with the two pregnancies?

Of course there are many other causes for misscariage too, most often that there is a malformation or illnes with the baby. It is worth (and lets hope this never happens to you again) keeping the 'baby' to take to the hospital for tests should you have another misscariage.

A haematologist may be able to answer your questions. An obstetrician may also be able to help. If you have other symptoms suggestive of a connective tissue disease (eg joint problems - see the info links on the home page here), a rheumatologist is the one you should see.


All the very best!! :flowers:

Let us know how you get on!

X C X

[Jo Nuttall]

Cath,

Thanks for replying so soon. My first miscarriage was at 10 weeks and my second was at 12 weeks. I have d & c for both, so tests were carried out on both foetus. I have not heard of any abnormalities, I presume they would tell me (?) The doctor that sent me for the test did so on the advice form the haematologist as the doctor said he has never had the test done before. I will see what the haematologist comes back with.


Speak soon


Jo

xx

[Jo Nuttall]

Cath

Yes I have a little, she will be three in January.

Sorry, forgot to mention!!

Jo
x

[cath]

Dear Jo,

Thanks for your replys. It is good news that you have ONE lovely little girl. Your stats of having another succesful pregnancy are better for that.

If it does turn out you have APS, often taking a low dose of asprin will prevent a miscariage in the future.

APS can happen without SLE or any other disease being present.

Good luck, and I hope everything turns out well for you!

X C X

[Jo Nuttall]

Dear Cath,

I spoke to my GP after he spoke to the haematologist. He says that my levels of Lupus anti coagulant are low (2.1) but still significant. I am due to see him thurs (tomorrow) when he will refer me to see a specialist. He has suggested taking aspirin and heparin whilst pregnant. Unfortunately my GP doesn't really know much about it. He has asked me to print off the info I have found and take it with me when I see him.

Fingers crossed!!

Cheers

Jo xx

[cath]

Dear Jo,


Probably the right specialist for you is going to be an obstetrician who specialises in high risk pregnancy. They will know all about APS, and yes, probably treat with heparin and asprin during pregnancy. You will probably also get extra scans to check the placental functioning and the blood flow to the baby. OF course, this means going for another try at pregnancy, which I can well imagine is something you might have mixed emotions about.

Still, if you find out what the problem is before your next pregnany, hopefully everything will go smoothly. Getting the right diagnosis is half way!

All the very best.

X C X

[Sleaps2much]

Hi - just wanted to add that lupus anticoagulant is either positive or negative, no weak positives about it. You can have weak positives with cardiolipin antibodies. So you have the lupus anticoagulant as I do. If you need any info on it I have loads just mail me back. Your doc is doing the correct thing with the aspirin and heparin. Good luck with your pregnancy.

Sleaps

[beauty]

hey...

Sound to me like antiphopholipids......I had my baby at 28 weeks...she was 1lb 5oz....lost her after 17 day in icu....thats when they found out I had it......you levels go up and down...see a high risk ob...and have test ran....you can be put on blood thinner and have a good chance to have a little one...I got very sick and was told ...not wise to try again....due to lupus and APS....I had enlarged heart , kidney problems...high blood pressure....with a good dr you can get through it....I now have 2 kids...health...I've looked up alot about this disorder...if any q....email me at beautycr94@hotmail.com

good luck,
carla

[Jo Nuttall]

Sleaps,

That would be good if you could send me some info. My e mail address is jokatstu@aol.com.

I had never even heard of any of this until my test results came through. You guys have been really helpful cheers style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/Thanx.gif

I had a second blood test done last week. I am now waiting for a referral to see a consultant.



Cheers

Jo

x style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif

[Sleaps2much]

Hi Jo,

I thought I'd post it here as some others might find benefit to it as well.

Here is a classification criteria for aps, you may have the lupus anticoagulant but most docs will not consider you positive for aps unless you meet these guidlines so make sure you know if you meet the criteria - it's actually pinned on this lupus site here.
http://www.thelupussite.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=6829

This one is an excellent paper on APS. Please dont let it scare the bejeezes out of you, it's got all the things that could possibly go wrong with APS so be forewarned.
http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic3258.htm

This is the APSCORE laboratory tests for APS
http://www.apscore.org/roubey1.php

I'm going to leave you with this, it's a lot to take in at once so let me know if you want more. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/cool.gif

Cheers

Sleaps