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Christopher Hughes: An in vitro model for the Study of Angiogenesis (Interview)
Published on: April 28, 2007
Advances in antiphospholipid (Hughes') syndrome
O Amengual1, T Atsumi, M A Khamashta
1Lupus Research Unit, Rayne Institute, St Thomas' Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore
|May 20, 1998
Summary
Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a common prothrombotic disorder characterized by thrombosis and pregnancy loss, linked to antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs). Early detection and long-term anticoagulation are key for managing APS.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Hematology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a significant prothrombotic disorder, recognized 15 years after its initial description.
- Key clinical manifestations include recurrent venous and arterial thrombosis, pregnancy loss, and thrombocytopenia.
- The condition is associated with antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs), a diverse group of autoantibodies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS).
- To discuss the evolving classification and detection of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs).
- To highlight advancements in understanding APS pathogenesis and treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical descriptions and diagnostic criteria for APS.
- Discussion of immunological and clotting assays for antiphospholipid antibody (aPL) detection.
- Inclusion of data from animal models investigating APS pathogenesis.
Main Results:
- Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) include lupus anticoagulant (LA), anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL), and antibodies against phospholipids and plasma proteins.
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) for antibodies against beta 2 glycoprotein I aid in identifying pathogenic aCL.
- Animal models offer insights into the clinical and pathogenic aspects of APS.
Conclusions:
- Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) requires long-term anticoagulation therapy for recurrence prevention.
- Accurate detection of specific antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) is crucial for diagnosis and management.
- Ongoing research, including animal models, continues to refine our understanding of APS.
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