Clinical manifestations and management of the antiphospholipid syndrome

Since the original description of associations between lupus anticoagulant and anticardiolipin antibodies with thrombosis, fetal loss and thrombocytopenia, several distinct clinical manifestations related to this so-called antiphospholipid syndrome have appeared in the literature. Retrospective studies indicate that long-term treatment with oral anticoagulants can effectively reduce the chance of recurrent thrombosis. However, data from controlled prospective studies are urgently needed to enable optimal counselling of patients suffering from this syndrome.