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[Antiphospholipid syndrome in neurology]
Dragan M Pavlović1, Aleksandra M Pavlović
1Institute of Neurology, Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia. dpavlovic53@hotmail.com
Srpski Arhiv Za Celokupno Lekarstvo
|December 25, 2010
Summary
Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disorder causing blood clots and pregnancy issues. Diagnosis requires clinical and lab criteria, with treatments including anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapy.
Area of Science:
- Autoimmune diseases
- Hematology
- Neurology
Context:
- Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by recurrent thromboses and pregnancy complications.
- It can be primary or secondary to other autoimmune diseases.
- Antiphospholipid antibodies contribute to prothrombotic states and can directly affect brain tissue.
Purpose:
- To outline the diagnostic criteria for Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS).
- To describe the diverse clinical manifestations of APS, particularly neurological complications.
- To review current and alternative therapeutic strategies for APS management.
Summary:
- APS diagnosis requires one clinical and one laboratory criterion, with positive serology confirmed after 12 weeks.
- Clinical features include thromboses, pregnancy loss, and frequent neurological issues like stroke, encephalopathy, and seizures.
- Therapy involves anticoagulation (heparin, warfarin), antiplatelet agents (aspirin), and in resistant cases, corticosteroids, IVIg, or plasmapheresis.
Impact:
- APS accounts for approximately 50% of strokes in individuals under 50.
- Effective management can lead to a good prognosis for most patients.
- Understanding APS is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment, potentially preventing severe complications and improving patient outcomes.
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