Video Speaker 3rd April 2020 - APS Support UK

APS Support UK 

Phil Godfrey, of the Rotary Club of Solihull, presented to members of our Club using Zoom on 3rd April.  Phil, whose wife had suffered from antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), told us of his fund-raising efforts in aid of APS Support UK and, in view of its relatively unrecognised condition spoke in detail about the condition.

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disease which affects the blood and its ability to clot. An overactive immune system produces antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) which cause the blood to clot too quickly both in veins and arteries.

The clotting can affect any vein, artery or organ in the body and the consequences can include potentially fatal conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, and DVTs. In pregnancy, the antibodies can cause miscarriage, pre-eclampsia, small babies, early deliveries and stillbirth.

One study has shown that 1 in 2000 people have the disorder, but it is still believed to be significantly under-recognised and under-diagnosed.

There are two main types of APS:

• Primary antiphospholipid syndrome - the condition is not linked to any other disease and develops in isolation.

• Secondary antiphospholipid syndrome - the condition develops along with another autoimmune disorder, usually lupus.

Because it il relatively new in medical terms, much research still needs to be carried out to learn more about the causes, effects and treatments for the condition; one thing known is that early diagnosis of APS is crucial for patients.

APS Support UK is a small charity that punches well above its weight but does not receive any government funding, relying almost entirely on voluntary donations and legacies to fund its work.

For further information http://aps-support.org.uk/