Awareness for Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome (A.P.S.) Awareness Month is raised throughout June. A disorder that can lead to strokes or heart attacks by severe clotting, it affects an estimated one in 2,000 people in the United States. Early diagnosis of the condition can prevent these severe side effects, making the annual monthly observance extremely important.
History of Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome Awareness Month
Antiphospholipid syndrome (A.P.S.) is when thromboses or blood clots recur in any blood vessel of the body. The severity of the resulting symptoms and other effects differ from person to person, depending on where the blood clot forms and the organ affected. The syndrome can occur by itself or paired with another autoimmune disease such as secondary antiphospholipid syndrome (systemic lupus erythematosus).
The A.P.S. Foundation of America (A.P.S.F.A.) was founded in 2005 and is the only nonprofit health agency in the U.S. that is dedicated to raising awareness of the disease. Unfortunately, despite being a major contributor to heart attacks, pregnancy morbidity, thrombosis, and myocardial infarction, Christina M. Pohlman — co-founder and president of the A.P.S.F.A. believes that the syndrome does not receive attention and awareness crucial to combatting A.P.S. Delays in diagnosis or a complete misdiagnosis is common.
Pohlman is an A.P.S. patient herself and counts raising awareness of the disorder among the significant achievements of the A.P.S.F.A. She believed it was time that A.P.S. had an awareness month where broadcasts could be done about Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome and accurate information could be disseminated. June is now observed as A.P.S. Awareness Month and June 9 is World A.P.S. Awareness Day.
Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome Awareness Month timeline
E. Nigel Harris and Aziz Gharavi research and describe the antiphospholipid syndrome in detail.
Graham R.V. Hughes brings together the team that first discovers and describes antiphospholipid syndrome.
The first papers on antiphospholipid syndrome are published.
The first World A.P.S. Day takes place in honor of the A.P.S. Foundation’s fifth birthday.
Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome Awareness Month FAQs
How long can you live with antiphospholipid syndrome?
The disease duration and survival vary from person to person, depending on the severity of the disorder and the vital organs that are damaged. Consult a professional and explore treatment options today.
Is antiphospholipid syndrome a disability?
A.P.S. is a disorder that can cause disability and serious illness. Unfortunately, it often goes underdiagnosed.
Does antiphospholipid syndrome shorten your life?
Patients with catastrophic A.P.S. can suffer from devastating effects that can possibly lead to early death.
How to Observe Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome Awareness Month
Learn about it
Most people are not aware of antiphospholipid syndrome. Learn about the disorder — causes, effects, and treatment.
Support your friends and family
If you know someone affected with antiphospholipid syndrome, support them throughout the month. Assist them in exploring treatment options and be supportive throughout.
Donate
Donate generously to organizations researching antiphospholipid syndrome and their efforts to increase education about the disease. If you are unable to, spread awareness using social media or similar methods.
5 Facts About Antiphospholipid Syndrome
It is more common for women
Like most autoimmune diseases, A.P.S. is five times more common in women than in men.
It may occur with another autoimmune disorder
Up to 15% of patients with A.P.S. also have systemic lupus erythematosus.
Women with miscarriages
One in four women with miscarriages may have antiphospholipid syndrome.
Antiphospholipid syndrome by definition
It is the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies in patients with recurring thromboembolism.
Symptoms vary from patient to patient
Symptoms include memory loss, migraine, abdominal pain, and visual disturbances.
Why Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome Awareness Month is Important
Increasing awareness
The A.P.S.F.A. dedicatedly works throughout June to increase education on the antiphospholipid syndrome. It also serves to help patients suffering from it.
Major research is done
Institutes and individuals fund and support research to advance the treatment of A.P.S, They seek to educate people on how clotting can be reduced to prevent heart attacks and strokes.
Advancing treatment
The main goal of A.P.S. research is to perfect treatment to thin the blood and reduce clotting. Do what you can today to help advance treatment and awareness of this syndrome.
Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome Awareness Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | June 1 | Saturday |
| 2025 | June 1 | Sunday |
| 2026 | June 1 | Monday |
| 2027 | June 1 | Tuesday |
| 2028 | June 1 | Thursday |
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