Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome

Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune hypercoagulable state characterized by antiphospholipid antibodies (lupus anticoagulant, anticardiolipin antibody, anti-beta2-glycoprotein-I antibody) causing recurrent arterial/venous thrombosis and pregnancy morbidity (recurrent miscarriage, fetal growth restriction, preeclampsia). Primary APS occurs alone; secondary APS accompanies SLE/other autoimmune disease. Catastrophic APS is a life-threatening multivessel occlusive variant.

Common Symptoms

Deep-vein thrombosis; pulmonary embolism; stroke/TIA; recurrent miscarriage; thrombocytopenia; livedo reticularis; cardiac-valve disease

Causes and Pathogenesis

Antiphospholipid antibodies bind endothelial cells, platelets and coagulation proteins, activating endothelium/platelets and complement, shifting hemostasis toward thrombosis.

Treatment

Lifelong anticoagulation (warfarin); aspirin; management of secondary SLE; immunosuppression in catastrophic APS

Preventive Measures

Long-term anticoagulation; pregnancy management with aspirin + heparin; control vascular risk factors.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Rheumatology department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.