Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome

The 2006 International Consensus Statement on an Update of the Classification Criteria for Definite Antiphospholipid Syndrome has increased the time between the two laboratory studies required for diagnosis from 6 to 12 weeks. Antibody to beta2 glycoprotein 1 has been included as a criterion. Various non-criteria diagnostic clues such as livedo reticularis, heart valve disease, thrombocytopenia, renal thrombotic microangiopathy, neurological manifestations, non-criteria antibodies (IgA aCL, IgA anti-beta2 glycoprotein I) and some research laboratory-identified antibodies (antiphosphatidylserine antibodies, antiphosphatidylethanolamine antibodies, antibodies against prothrombin alone and antibodies to the phosphatidylserine-prothrombin complex) have been recognised. New concepts of pathogenesis now implicate complement activation and participation of the innate immune system upstream to thrombosis. Warfarin remains the treatment of choice for patients who have suffered thrombosis, but antiplatelet agents and heparin are other options. Target INR is 2.0-3.0. The other drugs which are used in resistant cases are: rituximab, hydroxychloroquine, thrombin inhibitors and statins.