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[Apheresis in antiphospholipid syndrome (APS)]
Giustina De Silvestro1, Tiziana Tison, Piero Marson
1Universita' di Padova, Padova, Italy. giustina.desilvestro@sanita.padova.it
Summary
Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a rare autoimmune disorder. Apheresis shows promise in treating catastrophic APS and high-risk pregnancies, though further research is needed.
Area of Science:
- Autoimmune disorders
- Hematology
- Reproductive medicine
Context:
- Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a rare autoimmune condition.
- Characterized by blood clots and pregnancy complications.
- Can be primary or secondary to other autoimmune diseases like lupus.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the role of apheresis in managing Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS).
- To assess apheresis effectiveness in catastrophic APS and high-risk pregnancies.
- To highlight the need for better prognostic markers in pregnant APS patients.
Summary:
- Apheresis aims to remove pathogenic antibodies in APS.
- Experience includes 23 patients, with 15 women treated during 19 pregnancies.
- Evidence supports apheresis for catastrophic APS (Level V/VI, Strength A) and high-risk pregnancy (Level V, Strength B).
Impact:
- Apheresis offers a potential treatment for severe APS cases.
- Improves outcomes for high-risk pregnancies affected by APS.
- Identifies areas for future research in APS management and monitoring.
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