Hi doctor, Following a DVT, my hematologist sent me for a blood test and it needs to be repeated again. According to the test request form, the request is 'antiphospholipid ab blood' and clinical details are 'previous VTEs, lupus ab positive as of October last year'. I am keen to understand the impact of a second test. If it is positive, what condition would I have and what would the typical treatment be? If it is negative, then am I really safe to stop any treatment? Could the 'positive' condition that arose that may have caused my DVT arise again? Appreciate your advice.
Hello. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune condition. The condition can affect a single organ or multiple organ systems. DVT (deep vein thrombosis) in SLE is multifactorial. The most common cause is the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies. However, in some patients who are negative for antiphospholipid antibodies, also present with DVT. Anticoagulant therapy is usually not given on a long-term basis. If you have antiphospholipid antibodies as per the test results, you need to be worked up for SLE. For more information consult a hematologist online -->