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Review
. 2008;10(6):230.
doi: 10.1186/ar2536. Epub 2008 Dec 15.

Antiphospholipid syndrome

Gerard Espinosa  1 , Ricard Cervera
Affiliations
Review

Antiphospholipid syndrome

Gerard Espinosa et al. Arthritis Res Ther. 2008.

Abstract

Antiphospholipid syndrome is diagnosed when arterial or venous thrombosis or recurrent miscarriages occur in a person in whom laboratory tests for antiphospholipid antibodies (anticardiolipin antibodies and/or lupus anticoagulant and/or anti-beta 2-glycoprotein I) are positive. Despite the strong association between antiphospho-lipid antibodies and thrombosis, their pathogenic role in the development of thrombosis has not been fully elucidated. Novel mechanisms involving both the complement pathway and micro-particles have been described. The knowledge of these new pathogenic approaches might identify novel therapeutic targets and therefore may improve the management of these patients.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Main current pathogenetic views of antiphospholipid antibodies. aPL, antiphospholipid antibodies; β2GPI/OxLDL, beta 2-glycoprotein I/oxidized low-density lipoprotein; GPIbα, glycoprotein Ibα; LRP-8, low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 8; tPA, tissue-type plasminogen activator; TLR4, Toll-like receptor 4.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Treatment algorithm of catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome. *Specially indicated if schistocytes are present. APS, antiphospholipid syndrome; IV Ig, intravenous immunoglobulins.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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