Treatment of antiphospholipid syndrome

Abstract

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is the most common acquired thrombophilia. The clinical manifestations of APS are mainly vascular thrombosis (venous and/or arterial) and/or recurrent pregnancy morbidity with the concomitant persistent presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). Therefore, the goals of the treatment of patients with APS are reducing the pregnancy morbidity and/or the prevention of thrombotic events during the follow-up. Optimal treatment of APS has long been discussed, due to the heterogeneity of the clinical manifestations and the consequent plurality in the medical specialties involved in managing this condition. This review summarizes the available evidence on primary thromboprophylaxis in aPL-positive individuals with no prior thrombotic events, secondary prophylaxis in patients with positive history for thrombotic events, the management of refractory or difficult cases and the current strategies for the management of APS during pregnancy.

Keywords: APS; Anticoagulation; Antiphospholipid antibodies; Antiphospholipid syndrome; Immunotherapy; Pregnancy; Thrombosis; aPL.