[Antiphospholipid syndrome: from diagnosis to treatment]

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a prothrombotic disorder mediate with characteristic antiphospholipide antibodies (aPL). Patients with APS have got higher risk for arterial or venous thromboembolism. However, in spite of numerous studies the true association between aPL and first thromboembolism is still unknown. It is not clear whether the presence of aPL is a risk factor for thromboembolism or do they directly take a part in thrombogenesis. Many patients with aPL never experienced thromboembolic event. So far there is not any recommendation for primary prophylaxis of thromboembolic complications in such patients. Guidelines for secondary prevention recommended permanent anticoagulation. In this paper we offer a concise review of the vast body of published work and appropriateness of anticoagulation or antiplatelat therapy in various clinical subcategories of this syndrome.