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Review
. 2019 Aug;211(4):184-188.
doi: 10.5694/mja2.50262. Epub 2019 Jul 4.

Antiphospholipid syndrome: a clinical review

Veronica Mezhov  1 , Julian D Segan  1 , Huyen Tran  1   2 , Flavia M Cicuttini  1   2
Affiliations
Review

Antiphospholipid syndrome: a clinical review

Veronica Mezhov et al. Med J Aust. 2019 Aug.

Abstract

Antiphospholipid syndrome is characterised by recurrent thrombosis (arterial, venous, microvascular) and/or pregnancy complications in the presence of persistent antiphospholipid antibodies (lupus anticoagulant, anti-β2-glycoprotein 1 and anticardiolipin). It can be a primary disease or associated with another autoimmune disease (especially systemic lupus erythematosis). Testing for antiphospholipid antibodies should be considered in patients < 50 years of age with unprovoked venous or arterial thromboembolism, thrombosis at unusual sites or pregnancy complications. The mainstay of treatment is antithrombotic therapy and recommendations vary based on arterial, venous or pregnancy complications. If associated with systemic lupus erythematosis, hydroxychloroquine is recommended both as primary and secondary prophylaxis. Antithrombotic treatment is gold standard and effective.

Keywords: Anticoagulants; Autoimmune diseases; Lupus erythematosus, systemic; Review article; Thromboembolism.

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