Pathogenesis and management of antiphospholipid syndrome

Antiphospholipid syndrome [APS] is an acquired thrombophilia which is associated with morbidity and mortality from thrombosis and pregnancy failure. It is important to recognise the condition, as thrombosis may be preventable through administration of anticoagulant therapy, and management of pregnancy in APS demands close monitoring and a multidisciplinary approach.

APS may be a discrete disorder, or may occur against a background of another autoimmune disease, typically but not restricted to, systemic lupus erythematosus.