Antiphospholipid Syndrome

Antiphospholipid Syndrome Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS) important in vascular medicine as well as obstetrics. In obstetrics, it is important because it can cause fetal loss, intrauterine growth retardation and severe preeclampsia. In vascular medicine it is important because it can cause thrombotic events which could be arterial, venous or microvascular [1]. It can also be accompanied by moderate thrombocytopenia [2]. Thrombotic events involving multiple organs may be termed catastrophic Antiphospholipid Syndrome [3]. APS is an autoimmune disease with antibodies directed against beta2 glycoprotein I. This leads to suppression of tissue factor pathway inhibitor, activates complement and reduces the levels of protein C activity, all leading to thrombotic episodes. APS may occur with or without other systemic auto immune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Of the three important antibodies, lupus anticoagulant has better correlation with clinical events than anti beta2 glycoprotein I antibodies and anti cardiolipin antibodies. There is no consensus on giving aspirin for primary prevention in those with no thrombotic episodes yet. Heparin and warfarin are recommended for those with a history of venous thrombosis. Just as in other cases of unprovoked venous thrombosis, anticoagulation has to be probably continued life long. It may be noted that falsely elevated international normalized ratio (INR) may occur with certain types of tests in APS. Warfarin is often rec...
Source: Cardiophile MD - Category: Cardiology Authors: Tags: General Cardiology anti beta2 glycoprotein I antibodies anti cardiolipin antibodies lupus anticoagulant Source Type: blogs