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Antiphospholipid syndrome: a challenging hypercoagulable state with systemic manifestations
Marco P Donadini1, Mark Crowther
1Division of Hematology & Thromboembolism, St Joseph's Hospital, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
Hematology/Oncology Clinics of North America
|July 28, 2010
Summary
Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disorder causing blood clots in arteries and veins, leading to pregnancy complications. Current evidence does not support specific treatments for preventing thrombosis in APS patients.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Hematology
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by recurrent thrombosis and pregnancy morbidity.
- Historically, APS was primarily associated with systemic lupus erythematosus, but it can occur independently.
- The clinical presentation of APS is highly variable due to thrombosis affecting diverse organs and vessel sizes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS).
- To highlight the broad spectrum of clinical manifestations in APS.
- To assess the evidence for primary thrombosis prophylaxis strategies in APS.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on Antiphospholipid Syndrome.
- Analysis of clinical manifestations and thrombotic events in APS.
- Evaluation of current treatment guidelines and evidence for thrombosis prevention.
Main Results:
- APS causes venous and arterial thrombosis in nearly all organs.
- Pregnancy complications, including fetal loss, are significant manifestations of APS.
- The thrombotic potential in APS involves vessels of all sizes across various organs.
Conclusions:
- There is a wide range of clinical presentations for Antiphospholipid Syndrome.
- No definitive evidence currently supports or refutes specific treatments for primary thrombosis prophylaxis in APS.
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