3 Acquired thrombophilia

Abstract

The antiphospholipid syndrome is the most common cause of acquired thrombophilia. For obstetricians, it is important because of its association with recurrent miscarriage as well as either venous or arterial thrombosis. The evidence linking anticardiolipin antibodies and the lupus anticoagulants with thrombosis will be examined, as will the diagnostic dilemmas which arise. Thromboprophylaxis, both during pregnancy and lifelong, as well as for gynaecological surgery, will be discussed, as will management options for women suffering from recurrent miscarriage.