The Lupus Anticoagulant Paradox

Abstract

Lupus anticoagulant (LA) represents the most enigmatic antibody population in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome and represents a paradox that is still unsolved. This class of antiphospholipid antibody causes a phospholipid-dependent prolongation of the clotting time but is associated with an increased risk of thrombosis and pregnancy morbidity. In this review, we will provide an overview of the different antibodies that have been associated with LA activity, their importance based on clinical studies, and address the question why this prolongation of the clotting time is associated with thrombosis rather than a bleeding tendency.