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Updated: Aug 15, 2026
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Antibody Profiling by Luciferase Immunoprecipitation Systems (LIPS)
Published on: October 7, 2009
Primary anti-phospholipid antibody syndrome (APS): current concepts
Omar M Durrani1, Caroline Gordon, Philip I Murray
1Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
Survey of Ophthalmology
|June 8, 2002
Summary
Primary anti-phospholipid syndrome (APS) is a clotting disorder with frequent eye problems. Early diagnosis by ophthalmologists is crucial for preventing life-threatening thrombosis and managing APS effectively.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Hematology
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Primary anti-phospholipid syndrome (APS) is a thrombophilic state linked to recurrent thrombosis, pregnancy loss, and anti-phospholipid antibodies.
- Ophthalmologic manifestations affect a significant portion (15-88%) of APS patients, making eye care critical for early diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the importance of ophthalmologic assessment in diagnosing and managing primary anti-phospholipid syndrome (APS).
- To emphasize the role of ophthalmologists in identifying APS-related thrombosis and preventing severe complications.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical features, diagnostic criteria, and laboratory assays for anti-phospholipid antibodies.
- Analysis of the prevalence and significance of ocular involvement in APS patients.
- Discussion of multi-disciplinary management strategies for APS, including ocular thrombophilia.
Main Results:
- Ophthalmologic features are common in APS, with ocular involvement seen in up to 88% of patients.
- Diagnosis of APS should be considered in patients with recurrent systemic or ocular thrombosis without known risk factors.
- Elevated anti-phospholipid antibodies or lupus coagulant in isolated ocular thrombophilia can confirm APS diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- Ophthalmic assessment is integral to the work-up of suspected or confirmed APS.
- Management requires a multidisciplinary approach, with rheumatologists or hematologists coordinating care.
- Treatment for ocular thrombophilia in APS follows similar principles as systemic APS to prevent recurrent thrombosis.
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