[Arterial hypertension and the antiphospholipid syndrome]

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APLS) is defined as a symptom complex characterized by arterial and venous thromboses, obstetric abnormalities, thrombocytopenia and hyperproduction of antiphospholipid antibodies. APLS may be primary and secondary developing in the presence of autoimmune disorders, SLE in particular. At examination of 28 patients with primary and secondary APLS 14 patients proved hypertensive. Renal pathology was absent. Arterial hypertension appeared often in combination with microthrombi of the skin and affections of peripheral vessels. Arterial hypertension as a cardiological sign of APLS occurs more frequently than other symptoms.