Munther A Khamashta

Hughes Syndrome: Highways and Byways is a handy and easy-to-read guide to the main features of Hughes syndrome. There has been worldwide interest in this 'new' syndrome (first described in 1983). A clotting tendency which can potentially affect any organ in the body, it is:* responsible for 1 in 5 recurrent miscarriages (now successfully treated with aspirin and heparin)* responsible for 1 in 5 young (under 45) strokes* a major cause of early heart attacks* responsible for 1 in 5 deep vein thromboses* an important cause of migraine. Hughes Syndrome: Highways and Byways is a valuable resource for professionals with an interest in the subject, as well as general practitioners and patients.

The antiphospholipid syndrome (Hughes syndrome) is now over a quarter of a century old. Although most of the major clinical features were described in the original papers between 1983 and 1985, the ensuing 25 years have seen a filling out of the clinical detail and recognition that the syndrome is of major medical importance. More significantly, much has been learnt of the prevalence and epidemiology of the syndrome as well as the biology of the thrombotic process so central to the condition. Sadly, all that lags behind is treatment, the choice of drugs still very limited. The syndrome now embraces all disciplines. It is now regarded as the commonest treatable cause of recurrent pregnancy loss, and has changed the face of obstetrics. It has become a major chapter in the field of neurology, being an important cause of stroke, migraine, seizures, and memory loss. In cardiology, it is at last becoming recognized as an important cause of young heart attacks, as well as providing leads in the study of accelerated atheroma. And so the list goes on – idiopathic bone fracture, abdo- nal angina, renal vascular hypertension, leg ulcers… This book, produced by clinical leaders in the field, brings together the many strands of another “great mimic”.