Antiphospholipid syndrome: a comprehensive review of a complex and multisystemic disease

Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2009 Jul-Aug;27(4):668-77.

Abstract

The antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an acquired thombophilia, which is characterized by one or more thrombotic episodes and obstetric complications in the presence of antiphospholipid (aPL) antibodies (Abs). APL Abs are detected by laboratory tests such as lupus anticoagulant (LAC), anticardiolipin (aCL) and anti-Beta2-glycoprotein I (Beta2GPI) Abs. This article reviews the most current aspects of APS with emphasis on the pathophysiology of the disease, clinical manifestations, laboratory tests, and current modalities of treatment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Abortion, Habitual / etiology
  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Anticardiolipin
  • Antibodies, Antiphospholipid / analysis
  • Anticoagulants / therapeutic use
  • Antiphospholipid Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Antiphospholipid Syndrome / physiopathology*
  • Antiphospholipid Syndrome / therapy
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydroxychloroquine / therapeutic use
  • Plasma Exchange
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Hematologic
  • Thrombosis / etiology
  • Thrombosis / therapy
  • beta 2-Glycoprotein I / immunology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Anticardiolipin
  • Antibodies, Antiphospholipid
  • Anticoagulants
  • beta 2-Glycoprotein I
  • Hydroxychloroquine