Antiphospholipid antibodies and the brain: a consensus report

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Immunology
• Rheumatology

Background:

• Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) are associated with an increased risk of thrombotic events, including ischemic stroke.
• The role of aPL in predicting first versus recurrent ischemic stroke requires further clarification.
• The interplay between aPL, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and neurological manifestations is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To differentiate the predictive value of aPL for first-time versus recurrent ischemic stroke.
• To investigate whether concurrent SLE exacerbates aPL-related stroke risk.
• To explore the association between aPL and common neurological conditions such as cognitive dysfunction, headache, multiple sclerosis, and seizures/epilepsy.

Main Methods:

• This report synthesizes existing literature and clinical data.
• It analyzes studies examining aPL prevalence and neurological outcomes.
• The review focuses on identifying patterns and risk associations.

Main Results:

• aPL are significant predictors of both first and recurrent ischemic stroke.
• Concomitant SLE appears to amplify the stroke risk associated with aPL.
• Associations were observed between aPL and cognitive dysfunction, headache, multiple sclerosis, and seizures/epilepsy.

Conclusions:

• aPL represent a critical risk factor for ischemic stroke, particularly recurrent events.
• SLE presence increases the thrombotic risk in aPL-positive individuals.
• Further research is essential to fully elucidate the mechanisms and management strategies for aPL-associated neurological disorders.