How to interpret the LA test.

[KJay]

Hi everyone, I have APS and was diagnosed in 2008 by Professor Hughes and I wanted to ask a question on behalf of a friend of mine who I think may have APS as everyone on this site is so much more knowledgeable about the condition than me!

My friend has been ill for about 7 years with ME. She has had blackouts, cognitive problems, blue lips when she gets tired and vertigo which she was told was probably due to inner ear problems. She did have a blood test which she said showed that her blood was sticky but couldn't remember what the test was called and I'm sure it wouldn't have been the LA or aCL.

I finally persuaded her to get the two Hughes Syndrome tests done (she didn't believe she could be suffering from it as there was no know autoimmunity in her family). Her doctor had never heard of APS, didn't know what the tests were testing for or how to interpret them but she agreed to do them anyway.

My friends aCL came back negative but this is what the LA said

PT 11 (11-14)

APTT 32 (26-39)

DRVVT 'NB Shortened result for DRVVT'

Is it possible from this result that she may have Hughes Syndrome? Her LA is going to be retested in 4 weeks.

I'd be grateful if anyone could shed any light on what the results may mean.It would be great if finally she may be getting a glimmer of light as to what she is suffering from but I don't want to raise her hopes.

All replies very gratefully received!

[KJay]

Hi Lynn-FA, Many thanks for replying. I think the other one, the DRVVT, is something to do with viper venom from what I've read and a shortened test means I think that the blood has LA present. I guess LA can go up and down in the blood? I think my friend is thinking of going to Professor Hughes. Thanks for the recommendation of Dr Khamashta. I have heard he is very good too and will pass that on to her. Thanks again for your help.

[SueLovett]

Hi,

Would just like to say that Dr Khamashta probably saved my life.

I am so pleased that I made the decision to see him at London Bridge nearly 3 years ago now.

He was the first person to believe I was actually ill and told me straight away, even before my test results, that he was 95% sure I had Hughes.

Not to mention the charm offensive!

Hope your friend gets some answers soon.

[KJay]

Hi Sue,

Many thanks for your reply. Dr Khamashta sounds a wonderful rheumatologist and thanks for sharing your story. I wasn't, fortunately, in such a serious condition as you when I met Professor Hughes, but I'd spent 20 years being told I had ME or it was all in my head. I did see a rheumatologist locally (the less said about that experience probably the better!). I was finally diagnosed with APS and Sjogrens in 2008 by Professor Hughes. The diagnosis changed my life.

Thanks so much for your recommendation which I shall pass on to my friend.