Università degli studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia

Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia
Corso di laurea in infermieristica - Sede di Modena

Abstract

Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome is a rare, autoimmune and multisystemic disease, whose pathophysiology is still unknown. The main clinical manifestations are thrombotic events, which can develop in any areas of the body affecting both venous and arterial vessels, and morbidity in pregnancy such as recurrent spontaneous abortion, preterm birth, intrauterine growth retardation and preeclampsia. This disease can lead to physical and/or mental disabilities and, in the worst cases, to death; the physiological impact on both the patient and family members moreover is important too. To make diagnosis, the patient has to satisfy at least one clinical criterion (thrombotic events, morbidity of pregnancy) and one laboratory criterion (positivity of LA, anti-β2GPI and aCL). The nurse has the role to educate the patient as well as his family, explaining risk factors and strategies that can be implemented in order to eliminate or reduce them. Subsequently, when the disease is already present, the nurse checks symptoms, provides psychological support and answers to all patient or family queries. The nurse is a leading figure for the patient and his family, as he spends a lot of time in contact with them providing care, educating, informing and providing emotional and psychological support. The nurse must involve the patient in the care plan promoting a relationship based on trust and empathy, personalized assistance and the active participation of the patient, which are important for achieving health results. For the drafting of this paper a narrative review of literature was used, carrying out the bibliographic research through textbooks, websites and databases such as PubMed.