[The antiphospholipid syndrome]

Antiphospholipid antibodies such as anticardiolipin antibodies and lupus anticoagulant are frequently detected in sera from patients with systemic lupus erythmatosus and from those with related autoimmune disorders. Thromboembolic manifestations, fetal losses or thrombocytopenia in association with antiphospholipid antibodies, are hallmarks of the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). Recent studies indicates that anticardiolipin antibodies bind to beta 2-glycoprotein I and that a part of lupus anticoagulant binds to beta 2-glycoprotein I or to prothrombin. Antiphospholipid antibodies might induce thrombosis by altering the function of vascular endothelial cells or by accelerating the progression of atherosclerosis. Warfarin, heparin or low dose aspirin have been recommended to prevent recurrent episodes of thrombosis in patients with the APS.