Consequences of anticardiolipin antibody levels greater than 12
Disease description:
My finger joints hurt badly in the morning. I had several rheumatism tests done. May I ask, what are the consequences if the anti-cardiolipin antibody level is greater than 12?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Feng
Anticardiolipin antibodies (ACA) are autoantibodies directed against negatively charged cardiolipin on the membranes of platelets and endothelial cells. When the level of anticardiolipin antibody IgM exceeds 12 GPL/ml, it generally indicates a positive result, which may lead to the following consequences:
1. Increased risk of thrombosis: In patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), a positive ACA test significantly increases the risk of blood clot formation, which can occur in both arteries and veins, such as deep vein thrombosis, renal vein thrombosis, and retinal vein thrombosis.
2. Autoimmune diseases: A positive ACA result may also be associated with autoimmune disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Among SLE patients, those who are ACA-positive have a higher likelihood of developing vasculitis, hemolytic anemia, and damage to the heart and central nervous system.
It is important to note that not all individuals with positive anticardiolipin antibodies exhibit clinical symptoms, and a single abnormal test result is insufficient for diagnosing antiphospholipid syndrome. Confirmation typically requires repeat testing after an interval of at least 12 weeks. Individuals testing positive for anticardiolipin antibodies should be evaluated by a qualified physician to develop an individualized monitoring and treatment plan.
