Lupus anticoagulants are antibodies against substances in the lining of cells. These substances prevent blood clotting in a test tube. They are called phospholipids.
Persons with these antibodies may have an abnormally high risk of blood clotting.
Often, you will not need treatment if you do not have symptoms or if you have never had a blood clot in the past.
Take the following steps to help prevent blood clots from forming:
Avoid most birth control pills or hormone treatments for menopause (women).
Do not smoke or use other tobacco products.
Get up and move around during long plane flights or other times when you have to sit or lie down for extended periods.
movie your ankles up and down when you can't move around.
Your doctor may prescribe blood thinning medicines (such as heparin and warfarin) to help prevent blood clots:
After surgery
After a bone fracture
With active cancer
When you need to set or lie down for long periods of time, such as during a hospital stay or recovering at home.
You may also need to take blood thinners for 3-4 weeks after surgery to lower your risk of blood clots.
Expectations (prognosis)
Most of the time, outcome is good with proper treatment. Some people may have blood clots that are hard to control with treatments. Symptoms may recur.
Calling your health care provider
Call your health care provider if you notice symptoms of a blood clot such as:
Swelling or redness in the leg
Shortness of breath
Pain, numbness and pale skin color in an arm or leg.
Review Date:
1/22/2013
Reviewed By:
Todd Gersten, MD, Hematology/Oncology, Palm Beach Cancer Institute, West Palm Beach, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Also reviewed by A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc., Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Bethanne Black, Stephanie Slon, and Nissi Wang.
