The antiphospholipid syndrome

The antiphospholipid syndrome encompasses a wide spectrum of presentations cutting across all subspecialties of medicine. It is characterized by recurrent thrombotic events involving both the arterial and venous systems. Large arteries and veins as well as the microcirculation are involved. Recurrent strokes, myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, gangrene of the digits, etc. cause much morbidity and mortality in affected patients. It is recognized as an important cause of recurrent pregnancy loss. The risk in pregnancy extends to a propensity towards pre-eclampsia, abruptio placentae and intrauterine growth retardation. It often manifests as asymptomatic thrombocytopenia and sometimes as a life-threatening form called catastrophic anti-phospholipid syndrome. The management of thrombotic events rests on high grade anticoagulation (INR 3-4) as lower values of INR than this often fail to prevent recurrence. Aspirin is generally added in case of arterial thrombosis. A combination of heparin and aspirin at least in the first trimester and sometimes throughout pregnancy is used to prevent foetal loss.