[Diagnostic antiphospholipid antibodies and their clinical significance]

Lupus anticoagulant and anticardiolipin antibodies belong to a heterogeneous family of antiphospholipid antibodies, directed probably against complexes composed of protein and negatively charged phospholipids. The antiphospholipid syndrome consists in the association of antiphospholipid antibodies and both venous and arterial occlusive events. The mechanism by which the antiphospholipid antibodies could induce thrombosis remains unclear.