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