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Up-date on the antiphospholipid syndrome.
Cristina Luzzana1, Maria Gerosa, Piersandro Riboldi
1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Milan, Italy.
Journal of Nephrology
|September 24, 2002
Summary
Antiphospholipid syndrome involves blood clots and pregnancy loss, diagnosed by specific antibodies. Current treatments use anti-platelet or anticoagulant drugs for both vascular and obstetrical issues.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Hematology
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is characterized by recurrent thrombosis and pregnancy complications.
- It is diagnosed by the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies, specifically beta 2 glycoprotein I-dependent anti-cardiolipin and/or lupus anticoagulant.
- Thrombosis can affect any blood vessel, with deep veins and cerebral arteries being common sites.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS).
- To outline diagnostic criteria and current therapeutic strategies.
- To highlight areas for future research in diagnostic assays.
Main Methods:
- Diagnosis relies on detecting specific antiphospholipid antibodies using beta 2 glycoprotein I-dependent anti-cardiolipin and lupus anticoagulant assays.
- Evaluation of thrombotic events and fetal losses, including pre-eclampsia.
- Review of current therapeutic approaches.
Main Results:
- Recurrent thrombotic events and fetal losses are key features of APS.
- Deep vein thrombosis and cerebral artery thrombosis are frequent manifestations.
- Both early and late fetal losses, along with pre-eclampsia, are reported in affected women.
Conclusions:
- Formal laboratory diagnosis of APS requires specific antibody detection.
- Emerging diagnostic assays show promise but need further validation.
- Standard therapy for APS remains anti-platelet or anticoagulant drugs, despite advances in understanding pathogenesis.