A guide to Hughes' syndrome

Hughes' syndrome, or antiphospholipid syndrome, is thought to be the cause of one in four strokes in people aged less than 40 years. It is an antiinflammatory autoimmune disorder in which the blood has a tendency to clot too quickly. It can affect any artery or vein in the body and the main symptoms are thrombosis, pregnancy loss and the presence of antibodies. If detected it can be treated effectively.