[Antiphospholipid antibodies in the transplanted kidney pathology]

The purpose of the paper was to estimate clinical problems of the antiphospholipid antibodies (PAF), the mechanisms of their development and function in general thrombotic complications. Special attention has been paid to thrombotic complications in the transplanted kidney. In the group of patients with early renal allograft failure PAF are more frequent than in patients with functioning grafts. The presence of antiphospholipid antibodies in patients prior to the transplantation may indicate the patients' susceptibility to thrombotic complications and failure of the transplanted kidney function. In the case of less intensive coagulation the lifetime of the functioning kidney may be considerably shortened. So far, no satisfactory anticoagulation therapy has been developed. Patients were treated with warfarin, heparin as well as fractionated heparin and intravenous immunoglobulin, aspirin and prednisone. The anticoagulation therapy should be applied in compliance with the laboratory markers of coagulation and with special emphasis put on the general health status of a patient.