Intravenous immunoglobulin therapy in antiphospholipid syndrome

Abstract

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disorder defined by the occurrence of venous and arterial thromboses and pregnancy morbidity, frequently accompanied by a moderate thrombocytopenia, in the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies. There is both laboratory and clinical evidence for the beneficial role of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) in APS. Data on the use of IVIg in patients with APS have focused on its obstetric complications and antiphospholipid antibodies-positive patients undergoing in vitro fertilization, but there are also case reports about treatments of other clinical manifestations (mainly hematological) of the syndrome. Future research should determine when to use anticoagulation, IVIg, or both in the treatment of APS.