In Hughes syndrome, the immune system produces abnormal antibodies which make the blood stickier than normal.
This means that a person with Hughes syndrome has an increased tendency to form blood clots in their veins or arteries, which can cause serious, life-threatening health problems such as deep vein thrombosis, stroke or heart attack (see below).
Hughes syndrome vs multiple sclerosis
The symptoms of Hughes syndrome can be similar to those of multiple sclerosis, which is a common condition that affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). Shared symptoms include:
- balance and mobility problems
- vision problems, such as double vision
- speech and memory problems
- tingling or pins and needles in your arms or legs
- fatigue (extreme tiredness)
However, there are also several symptoms that indicate that a person has Hughes syndrome rather than multiple sclerosis. They are:
Serious health problems
If left untreated, Hughes syndrome can cause serious health problems that can be life-threatening.
Below are the most common conditions that can occur as a result of Hughes syndrome. It is important to note that most people with Hughes syndrome will not experience all of them.
Deep vein thrombosis
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is one of the most common conditions that can occur as a result of Hughes syndrome. It is a blood clot that develops inside one of the body's larger, deeper veins, usually inside the calf or thigh.
Symptoms of DVT include:
- pain, swelling and tenderness in one of your legs (usually only one leg is affected)
- a heavy ache in the affected area
- warm skin in the area of the clot
- redness, particularly at the back of your leg, below the knee
The pain may be worse when you bend your foot upward towards your knee.
One of the biggest risks is that the blood clot may move out of your leg and travel towards your lungs. A blood clot that reaches the lungs is known as a pulmonary embolism (see below)
Read more about DVT.
Stroke and TIAs
Stroke is a serious condition that is associated with Hughes syndrome. A stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks the brain's blood supply.
The most effective way of identifying the symptoms of a stroke is to remember the word FAST, which stands for:
- Face - the face may have fallen on one side, the person may not be able to smile, or their mouth or eye may have drooped
- Arms - the person may not be able to raise both arms and keep them there due to weakness or numbness
- Speech - speech may be slurred
- Time - dial 999 immediately if there are any of these signs or symptoms
Dial 999 immediately to request an ambulance if you suspect that you or someone else is having a stroke.
A transient ischaemic attack (TIA), also known as a ‘mini-stroke’, occurs when a blood clot causes a temporary blockage of blood to the brain.
TIA symptoms are the same as those of a stroke, but they only last from between a few minutes to a few hours before completely disappearing. However, a TIA should never be ignored because it is a serious warning sign of a problem with the brain's blood supply.
Contact your GP if you or someone else has had a TIA. If this is not possible, you should contact your local hospital or out-of-hours service immediately to arrange for a specialist assessment.
Read more about strokes and TIAs.
Heart attacks
A heart attack can occur when a blood clot forms in one of your coronary arteries (the blood vessels that lead to the heart).
If the blood clot blocks the blood supply to your heart, it can seriously damage the heart muscles, which can die if left untreated.
Common symptoms of a heart attack are:
- a crushing pain or mild discomfort in the centre of the chest
- shortness of breath
- clammy, sweaty and grey complexion
- dizziness
- nausea and vomiting
- restlessness
- coughing
- a general feeling of being unwell
Dial 999 immediately if you think that you or someone else is having a heart attack.
A heart attack requires immediate emergency treatment so do not wait to seek medical assistance.
Read more about heart attacks.
Pulmonary embolism
A pulmonary embolism is a blockage in one of the blood vessels in the lungs. Most pulmonary embolisms occur when a blood clot that originates in your leg travels up into your lungs. Symptoms of a pulmonary embolism include:
- shortness of breath
- severe chest pain
- a persistent cough that may bring up blood-stained phlegm
Left untreated, a pulmonary embolism can be life-threatening so you should contact your GP immediately if you suspect that you have one. If this is not possible, contact your local out-of-hours service or NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.
Read more about pulmonary embolism.
Pregnancy complications
Women with Hughes syndrome have a much higher risk of developing complications during pregnancy, particularly if it is left untreated. Possible complications include:
- recurrent (three or more) early miscarriages, usually during the first 10 weeks of pregnancy
- one or more later term miscarriages, usually after week 10 of pregnancy
- premature birth, usually at or before week 34 of pregnancy; it is often caused by pre-eclampsia (where a pregnant woman suddenly experiences an increase in blood pressure)
Livedo reticularis
Livedo reticularis is a skin condition that is caused by small blood clots that develop inside the blood vessels of the skin.
It causes the skin to take on a blotchy red or blue appearance. Some people also develop ulcers (sores) and nodules (bumps).
Livedo reticularis is often more severe in cold weather.
Superficial thrombophlebitis
Superficial thrombophlebitis is inflammation of the veins that are located just under your skin, usually in your leg. The symptoms are similar to DVT but they are not usually as severe.
The symptoms of superficial thrombophlebitis include swelling, redness and tenderness along the affected vein and a high temperature of 38C (100.4F) or above (although this is less common). The symptoms usually resolve within 2-6 weeks.
