People who receive treatment for APS fall into three main groups-
Those with antiphospholipid antibodies with no history of clotting are given low-dose aspirin (75-10mg daily). Aspirin has known blood-thinning properties. However some studies suggest that people go on to develop clots even when taking aspirin. Researchers are currently comparing the effectiveness of aspirin with very low-dose warfarin.
Those with APS who have a history of clotting are at risk of further clots and this can be prevented by using warfarin which is an anticoagulant in tablet form. Warfarin helps to keep the blood thin but regular blood tests are required to check the intensity of the anticoagulant effect as the main side effect of warfarin is bleeding. People taking warfarin should avoid sports with excessive levels of contact.
Women who have a history of recurrent miscarriage are given heparin by injection. This is considered the safest option as warfarin can damage the foetus. With heparin the baby can be born very small or early but the majority of babies do very well with no long-term problems.
