Eastern J Med. 2009; 14(2): 51-56

Antiphospholipid syndrome

Mohan B. Agarwal¹

Antiphospholipid syndrome is characterized by arterial or venous thrombosis and/or recurrent miscarriages together with presence of anticardiolipin antibodies and/or lupus anticoagulant and/or anti-ß2-glycoprotein 1 positivity. The exact pathogenic role of antibodies in the development of thrombosis still remains to be fully elucidated. Novel mechanisms involving both the complement pathway and micro-particles have been described. This knowledge might identify novel therapeutic targets and improve the management.

Keywords: Antiphospholipid syndrome, Anticardiolipin antibodies, Lupus anticoagulant, anti-ß2-glycoprotein 1, Thrombosis, Heparin, Warfarin, Aspirin

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