Written by the foremost researchers in the field, this book gathers together in a single source the many important clinical associations of antiphospholipid antibodies. Antibody-related clotting mechanisms and their relationship to conditions such as recurrent strokes, chorea, multi infarct dementias, a variety of spinal syndromes, Addison's Disease, recurrent miscarriages, and many more are discussed in depth. The importance of these antibodies in 'Primary,' 'Secondary,' and 'Catastrophic' Antiphospholipid Syndrome is highlighted. Each chapter is devoted to a specific internal system and the clinical effects this syndrome has on that system. This authoritative book is an essential addition to medical libraries as well as an invaluable reference for general physicians, internists, rheumatologists, neurologists, cardiologists, nephrologists, endocrinologists, gastroenterologists, pulmonologists, dermatologists, and obstetricians.
Along with AIDS, antiphospholipid syndrome was the major medical discovery of the late 20th century, so for many it is still deemed a ‘new’ disease. The discovery of ‘sticky blood’ (commonly known as antiphospholipid syndrome or ‘Hughes Syndrome’) came out of years of observation of patients who had developed lupus. Many specialists in the 1970s were interested in the neurological aspects of lupus, and Dr Hughes, among others, spent a number of years studying the mechanisms of brain inflammation. In the mid 1970s, Hughes observed a number of young women with a form of viral paralysis, where interestingly many of them carried an antibody in their blood actually directed against ‘phospholipid’ – one of the components of brain and spinal cord. It quickly became apparent that individuals who had "anti-phospholipid antibodies" suffered from a tendency not only to develop brain and spinal cord symptoms, but also a tendency to develop both vein and artery thrombosis. As investigation continued it became apparent that these symptoms were not just confined to lupus patients, but occurred in others too, specifically those with severe migraines, with repeated strokes, with memory loss, and in women with recurrent miscarriage.
This book contains information on an increasingly common autoimmune disorder. Also called "sticky blood" and Hughes Syndrome, APS makes one's blood clot too easily, creating high risk of stroke, thrombosis, and premature heart attack. It is also implicated in many other health problems including repeated miscarriages, neurological problems, eary dementia and migraines. It is often associated with lupus, and mimics the symptoms of other diseases, including MS. Symptoms include; migraines and headaches, recurrent miscarriage, memory loss, slurred speech, blood clots, poor circulation, muscle pain and cramps, blurred vision, extreme fatigue, epilepsy, strokes, thrombosis and a form of angina. Because of lack of knowledge of APS in the medical establishment, sufferers are often misdiagnosed with MS or other more life-threatening conditions. This book helps the reader identify the symptoms and provides important information on diagnosis and treatment of APS. It contains many moving stories, explaining how people eventually got a diagnosis, their symptoms, the impact of APS on their lives and whether or not treatment has worked. Written in collaboration with Dr. Graham Hughes, the major researcher of APS in the UK, this book provides a clearly written informative look at an important but little-known disease.
As with any delicate machine, the human body can be profoundly affected by its supply of vital running materials. Thus, the tendency for the blood to clot excessively has the potential to cut off the oxygen supply to any organ of the body. In 1983, Dr Graham Hughes and his team in London described a syndrome and subsequently developed simple blood tests to diagnose the condition. This syndrome is characterised by thrombosis (both in limbs and internal organs), headaches, memory loss, strokes and, in pregnant women, placental clotting and recurrent miscarriage. The syndrome, now known worldwide as Hughes Syndrome, or the anti-phospholipid syndrome, is common - being responsible for example, for up to 1 in 5 cases of young stroke. More important, it is treatable. This book provides the first in-depth description of the syndrome for patients.
In 1983 Graham Hughes described a syndrome in which the blood has a tendency to clot. Hughes syndrome is at the root of diverse conditions such as stroke, leg vein thrombosis and recurrent abortion. Hughes Syndrome addresses the complete range of features produced by this common disorder, which is also known as antiphospholipid syndrome. The condition can affect any organ, and is treated using commonly available drugs including low-dose aspirin and warfarin. This timely book fulfils the need for a cross-disciplinary clinical textbook and contains contributions from the leading international authorities. Hughes Syndrome should be read by anyone who might have a clinical or scientific interest in this condition: rheumatologists, haematologists, obstetricians and neurologists.
This eBook is a collection of articles from a Frontiers Research Topic. Frontiers Research Topics are very popular trademarks of the Frontiers Journals Series: they are collections of at least ten articles, all centered on a particular subject. With their unique mix of varied contributions from Original Research to Review Articles, Frontiers Research Topics unify the most influential researchers, the latest key findings and historical advances in a hot research area! Find out more on how to host your own Frontiers Research Topic or contribute to one as an author by contacting the Frontiers Editorial Office: frontiersin.org/about/contact.
Hughes Syndrome: The Antiphospholipid Syndrome, A Guide for Students provides an in-depth analysis into the main effects of Hughes Syndrome. In 1983, Dr Graham Hughes, and his team in London, described a syndrome and subsequently developed simple blood tests to diagnose the condition. This syndrome is characterised by thrombosis (both in limbs and internal organs), headaches, memory loss, strokes and, in pregnant women, placental clotting and recurrent miscarriage. The syndrome, now known worldwide as Hughes Syndrome, or the Antiphospholipid Syndrome, is common - being responsible for example, for up to 1 in 5 cases of young stroke and more importantly, it is treatable. Hughes Syndrome: The Antiphospholipid Syndrome, A Guide for Students details the effects of Hughes Syndrome on the major organs, making it a valuable reference tool for students in training.
Antiphospholipid syndrome is an autoimmune disease that causes abnormal blood clots. It is now recognized as a major cause of common conditions, including stroke, heart attack, miscarriage, epilepsy and memory loss and as such is gaining recognition in all branches of medicine, from obstetrics to cardiology, from psychiatry to orthopedics. This book provides an overview of our current understanding of this major disease. It includes the latest information on the new pathogenetic mechanisms involved as well as clinical manifestations in both “the thrombotic and “non-thrombotic manifestations of this important disease. Comprehensive review of this major disease Includes information on treatment options available
The description by Graham Hughes of the ?antiphospholipid syndrome? or Hughes Syndrome is one of the medical landmarks of the 20th century.There is something of a fashion in science to play down ?clinical? discoveries as being somehow less ground-breaking than ?basic? laboratory based observations.Here is a disease, a medical discovery, which should turn such fashions around. In a series of brilliant clinical observations, Dr Hughes, not only pieced together what is now clearly a common and important disease, but also, with his team, set up the blood tests and treatment guidelines, which are used world-wide.Kay Thackray describes the condition as a patient, providing a clear practical guide to living life.