Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
Hughes syndrome
ANTIPHOSPHOLIPID SYNDROME
An immune system disorder that causes an increased tendency for blood clots to form in your veins or arteries
About
- Hughes syndrome or antiphospholipid syndrome is an immune system disorder that can lead to an increased risk of developing the following:blood clots in the leg
- a clot in an artery which can cause a stroke or heart attack
- blood clots in the brain, leading to problems with balance, mobility, vision, speech and memory
- an increased risk of miscarriage in pregnant women
Need to know
Without treatment, Hughes syndrome can cause many symptoms and complications, including:
- migraine headaches
- mottled skin tone (livedo reticularis)
- low blood platelet count (thrombocytopenia)
- vein thrombosis
- deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- arterial thrombosis
- heart attack
- stroke
- catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome
Tests carried out by our consultants to diagnose Hughes syndrome include:
- taking a medical history
- a physical examination
- blood tests.
If Hughes syndrome is suspected, you'll usually be referred to an HCA UK facility to see either a rheumatologist (specialist in conditions affecting the immune system) or a haematologist (specialist in conditions affecting the blood).
The goal of treatment for Hughes syndrome is to reduce your risk of developing blood clots. We offer a number of treatment options.
- Medication. Such as anticoagulant medicine or an antiplatelet medication
- Recommended lifestyle changes such as healthy eating, regular exercise, losing weight and not smoking.
Women diagnosed with the condition are strongly advised to plan before they become pregnant. This is because treatment is most effective when it begins immediately after conception. Some medications used to treat Hughes syndrome may also be harmful to an unborn baby. More information on Hughes Syndrome is available on the Graham Hughes International Charity website
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.