Our Story

Hughes APS Trust was born out of the need to support APS patients and provide more effective therapies.

In 1983, Prof Graham Hughes and his team were working on the auto-immune disease Lupus. They identified antibodies subsequently called Antiphospholipid antibodies inappropriately targeting the blood clotting system. They found these antibodies caused blood clots and miscarriages, leading to what is now known as Hughes Syndrome or Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS).

Who We Are

We are Hughes APS Trust, founded by Prof. Graham Hughes, the doctor who discovered the syndrome in 1983.

Hughes APS Trust are sustained by a team of global patients and specialists. We support patients and healthcare professionals by promoting awareness, early diagnosis and best management of Hughes Syndrome. By doing this, we can save lives.

Our aim is to educate, inform and support patients and professionals through open access resources including information leaflets, webinars, F2F meetings, and published articles.

Why It Matters

Hughes Syndrome affects many people who may not know they have it until they have a blood clot causing a stroke, deep vein thrombosis or miscarriages.

Through simple blood tests, which can be ordered by any doctor, we can:

Identify people at risk before problems arise

Diagnose people with clinical features ensuring prompt management is provided by their doctors

Read more about how Hughes Syndrome affects patients lives.

Patient Stories

Although widely recognised as being involved in numerous medical conditions, from DVT to stroke and miscarriages, APS remains under-recognised and underdiagnosed.

Graham founded the Hughes APS Trust to change these perceptions. Tests to diagnose Hughes Syndrome already exist. Our mission is to tell the world and empower patients.

Click the button below to see Professor Hughes explain the history behind the syndrome.

Watch Video

All health professionals need to be aware of Hughes Syndrome/APS. These specialities have an especially important role in diagnosis and management:

GPs

Rheumatologists

Haematologists

Neurologists and stroke specialists

Dermatologists

Respiratory Physicians

Cardiologists

Obstetricians and Gynaecologists

Midwives

We believe greater awareness amongst the general public is essential in ensuring their doctors are aware of the condition, have requested the correct APS tests, and referred to the appropriate specialist to avoid delay in getting the right treatment

Help Us Change Things

Let’s save lives together. The lifeblood of the charity is your involvement. The future will be brighter with your support

Please donate to our campaign to support Hughes Syndrome patients and fund research to ensure Hughes Syndrome is diagnosed and treated early.

Donate Here