Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome

Abstract

Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS) is characterized by recurrent pregnancy losses and/or thrombotic events (both arterial and venous) with persistently positive lupus anticoagulant or antiphospholipid antibodies. Activation of complements, platelets and endothelial cells by the anticardiolipin-β2GP-1 complex plays a major role in pathogenesis of thrombosis. Treatment is with anticoagulation (warfarin/heparin), with steroids needed in the presence of catastrophic APS or cytopenias. Upto a third of patients may have significant long term morbidity.