1. Haemostasis. 2000;30 Suppl 2:16-25.

Antiphospholipid syndrome: state of the art with emphasis on laboratory

evaluation.
Greaves M.
Author information:
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK.
m.greaves@abdn.ac.uk
Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) are associated with arterial and venous
thrombosis, recurrent pregnancy loss and thrombocytopenia. Although aPLs have no
t
yet been conclusively shown to be causal in thrombosis and miscarriage, they are

useful laboratory markers for the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). The syndrome
can complicate another autoimmune disease, most commonly systemic lupus
erythematosus, but more often occurs alone -- primary APS. Identification of the

syndrome is clinically important because of the risk of recurrent thrombosis and

the need for antithrombotic therapy in many cases. Diagnosis and treatment of AP
S
represent significant challenges, however, owing to the protean clinical
manifestations and associations, limitations of currently available laboratory
tests for aPLs, and the lack of clear evidence-based guidance on optimal
management.
Copyright 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel
PMID: 11251337 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]