Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome
An immune disorder characterized by the presence of abnormal antibodies in the blood associated with abnormal blood clotting, migraine headaches, recurrent pregnancy losses (repeat spontaneous abortions), and low blood platelet counts (thrombocytopenia).
The abnormal antibodies are directed against phospholipids. (Phospholipids are fats that contains phosphorous). APLS can occur by itself (primary) or be caused by an underlying condition (secondary), such as systemic lupus erythematosus. About a third of persons with primary APLS have heart valve abnormalities.
Antiphospholipid antibodies reduce the levels of annexin V, a protein that binds phospholipids and has potent anticoagulant activity. The reduction of annexin V levels is thought to be a possible mechanism underlying the increased tendency of blood to clot and the propensity to pregnancy loss characteristic of the antiphospholipid antibody syndrome.
Read Also:
- Antiprotozoal
Antiprotozoal: Something that destroys protozoa or inhibits their growth and ability to reproduce. A few of the protozoa of medical importance include Plasmodium (the cause of malaria); Entamoeba histolytica (the cause of amebiasis, amebic dysentery) and Trichomonas vaginalis (a cause of vaginal infection); and Pneumocystis carinii (a common cause of pneumonia in immunodeficient persons). Some […]
- Antiprotozoal drug
Antiprotozoal drug: Something that destroys protozoa or inhibits their growth and ability to reproduce. A few of the protozoa of medical importance include Plasmodium (the cause of malaria); Entamoeba histolytica (the cause of amebiasis, amebic dysentery) and Trichomonas vaginalis (a cause of vaginal infection); and Pneumocystis carinii (a common cause of pneumonia [PCP] in immunodeficient […]
- Antipsoriatic
Antipsoriatic: Directed against psoriasis. Sunlight is antipsoriatic, as are a number of drugs.
- Antipsychotic
Antipsychotic: A medication (or another measure) that is believed to be effective in the treatment of psychosis. For example, aripiprazole (Abilify) is an antipsychotic medication used to treat schizophrenia.
- Antipyretic
Antipyretic: Something that reduces fever or quells it. There are 3 classes of antipyretic medications that are sold OTC (over-the-counter) without prescription: Salicylates — aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid), choline salicylate (Arthropan), magnesium salicylate (Arthriten), and sodium salicylate (Scot-Tussin Original); Acetaminophen (Tylenol); and Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) — ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve), and ketoprofen. From anti-, […]