The antiphospholipid syndrome.

TitleThe antiphospholipid syndrome.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2003
AuthorsRand JH
JournalAnnu Rev Med
Volume54
Pagination409-24
Date Published2003
ISSN0066-4219
KeywordsAbortion, Habitual, Antibodies, Antiphospholipid, Antiphospholipid Syndrome, Diagnosis, Differential, Female, Humans, Infant, Newborn, Pregnancy, Thrombosis
Abstract

The antiphospholipid (aPL) antibody syndrome is an autoimmune condition in which vascular thrombosis and/or recurrent pregnancy losses occur in patients with laboratory evidence for antibodies that bind to phospholipids. There have been significant advances in the recognition of the role of phospholipid-binding cofactors, primarily beta2GPI, as the true immunologic targets of the antibodies. Recent evidence suggests that the antibodies disrupt phospholipid-dependent anticoagulant mechanisms and/or that aPL antibodies induce the expression of procoagulant and proadhesive molecules on endothelial cells. Current diagnosis is based on clinical findings and empirically derived tests, such as assays for antibodies that bind to phospholipids or putative cofactors and coagulation assays that detect inhibition of phospholipid-dependent coagulation reactions. Current treatment relies primarily on anticoagulant therapy. Research advances are expected to bring mechanistically based diagnostic tests and improved therapy that target the roots of the disease process.

DOI10.1146/annurev.med.54.101601.152412
Alternate JournalAnnu Rev Med
PubMed ID12414917
Related Faculty: 
Jacob H. Rand, M.D.

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