ANTICARDIOLIPIN ANTIBODIES

Description

  • Normal : ≤ 15
  • Positive : > 15

Clinical significance

  •  ACA belong to a group of antibodies that react with negatively charged phospholipids. Cardiolipin antibodies are autoantibodies that mistakenly target body’s own cardiolipins (substance found in the cell membranes & platelets)

  • Cardiolipns are lipid molecules that play an important role in the blood clotting process. Cardiolpin antibodies target cardiolipns and are associated with an increased risk of developing recurrent thrombi in veins and arteries, such as deep veins of the legs (DVT) or the lungs (Pulmonary embolism). They may also be associated with Low platelet count, Recurrent miscarriages, and preeclampsia
  • There are three classes of cardiolipin antibodies that may be present in the blood: IgG, IgM , IgA
  • Raised levels of IgA, IgG, and IgM are strongly associated with venous and arterial thrombosis, thrombocytopenia, recurrent foetal loss and myocardial infarction as well as neurological conditions.
  • IgG is the major predictor of thrombosis and pregnancy loss while IgM class is associated especially with haemolytic anaemia in addition to thrombosis
  • Antibodies associated with infections, drugs tend to have IgM more than IgG
  • Most of the patients with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome have moderate or high levels of anticardiolipin and are positive for IgG and IgM
  • The test is used in differential diagnosis of patients with unexplained venous thrombosis, CVT, transient ischemic attack, and premature coronary artery thrombosis
  • Women having ACL have about 50-70% chance of foetal wastage and abortions
  • ACL should be compulsorily searched for in patients of Warfarin failure

When to get tested

  • When there is symptoms suggestive of Thrombotic episode (blood clot)
  • If there is s/s of DVT( Leg pain or tenderness , oedema, discolouration of leg)
  • If there is s/s of Pulmonary Embolism ( Sudden shortness of Breath, laboured breathing, Coughing, Haemoptysis, rapid heart rate , chest pain )
  • When a woman has recurrent miscarriages

Elevated level

  • DVT
  • Pulmonary embolism
  • Recurrent miscarriages
  • Haemolytic anaemia
  • Venous and arterial thrombosis
  • Thrombocytopenia
  • Recurrent foetal loss
  • Myocardial infarction
  • Neurological conditions

Decreased level

Profile

ALL TEST

Turn your phone into a full-featured Ayurveda clinic

Reference library, prescription studio, classical texts and everyday productivity tools — all in one app. Try Bhishak with a trial subscription; unlock the full experience once you’re in.

Get it on Google Play
Scroll