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Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome.
Elena Cucurull1, Azzudin E. Gharavi, Yamini Menon
1*Department of Medicine, Morehouse School of Medicine, 720 Westview Drive, SW, Atlanta, GA 30310-1495, USA. aghara@pol.net
Current Treatment Options in Cardiovascular Medicine
|April 11, 2003
Summary
Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disorder causing blood clots and pregnancy complications. Anticoagulant therapy significantly reduces the risk of recurrent thrombosis and improves pregnancy outcomes in APS patients.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Hematology
- Obstetrics & Gynecology
Background:
- Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disorder.
- Characterized by recurrent vascular thromboses or pregnancy morbidity.
- Associated with autoantibodies against phospholipids or phospholipid-binding proteins.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define the clinical and laboratory features of APS.
- To highlight the high risk of recurrence in patients with prior thrombosis or pregnancy morbidity.
- To emphasize the benefits of preventive anticoagulant therapy.
Main Methods:
- Review of diagnostic criteria for APS (published 1999).
- Assessment of recurrence risk in patients with antiphospholipid antibodies.
- Evaluation of management strategies for thrombosis and pregnancy morbidity in APS.
Main Results:
- Recurrence risk persists as long as antiphospholipid antibodies are present.
- Preventive anticoagulant therapy greatly reduces the risk of recurrence.
- High-intensity anticoagulation is often necessary for APS-related thrombosis.
- Combination therapy (heparin and low-dose aspirin) improves pregnancy outcomes.
Conclusions:
- APS management requires addressing multifactorial thrombosis causes.
- Anticoagulant therapy is crucial for preventing recurrent events in APS.
- Specific treatments significantly improve pregnancy outcomes for women with APS.