Antiphospholipid Syndrome and Thrombosis

Abstract

Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) (anticardiolipin antibodies and lupus anticoagulant) have a specific pathoetiological role in the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), an acquired thromphophilic disorder manifested by arterial or venous thrombosis and pregnancy morbidity. In this article, we review the clinical manifestations and diagnostic procedure of APS. Further, we discuss the appropriate prophylaxis of this syndrome, considering the potential effects of aPL on the coagulation and fibrinolysis systems implicated in the development of thrombotic complications in patients with APS.