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Updated: Apr 12, 2026

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Published on: September 5, 2016
Treatment of the antiphospholipid syndrome
1UO Ematologia, Ospedale Papa Giovanni XXIII, Largo OMS, 1, 24127 Bergamo, Italy.
Insights
Antiphospholipid syndrome requires specific treatments for thrombosis and obstetrical issues. New therapies like rituximab offer alternative options for this complex autoimmune condition.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
- Hematology
Background:
- Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disorder.
- Characterized by antiphospholipid antibodies, thrombosis, and obstetrical complications.
- Requires tailored management strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current treatment guidelines for APS.
- To explore emerging non-antithrombotic therapies for APS.
- To provide an overview of APS management.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing APS treatment protocols.
- Analysis of studies on novel APS therapeutic agents.
- Synthesis of clinical evidence for APS management.
Main Results:
- Oral anticoagulants are standard for preventing recurrent thrombosis in APS.
- Heparin plus aspirin is recommended for obstetrical complications in APS.
- Catastrophic APS treatment involves heparin, corticosteroids, and plasma exchange.
Conclusions:
- Current APS treatments effectively manage thrombotic and obstetrical risks.
- Emerging therapies like rituximab, stem cell transplantation, and hydroxychloroquine show promise.
- Personalized treatment approaches are crucial for APS patients.
Abstract:
The antiphospholipid syndrome is characterized by a combination of laboratory findings (i.e., the presence of at least one antiphospholipid antibody) and clinical manifestations (arterial and/or venous thrombosis, obstetrical complications). Long-term oral anticoagulant is recommended to prevent recurrence of both arterial and venous thrombosis, whereas (low molecular weight) heparin plus aspirin is the treatment of choice to prevent further obstetrical complications. In the rare case of catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome, heparin plus high-dose corticosteroids plus plasma exchange is associated with the highest recovery rate. Some new, non-antithrombotic-based treatments of antiphospholipid syndrome with rituximab, autologous stem cell transplantation, or hydroxychloroquine are also reviewed.
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