ReviewAntiphospholipid syndromeGerard Espinosa and Ricard Cervera  Department of Autoimmune Diseases, Institut Clínic de Medicina i Dermatologia, Hospital Clínic, Villarroel 170, 08036 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain author email corresponding author email
Arthritis Research & Therapy 2008,
10:230doi:10.1186/ar2536
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| Published: |
15 December 2008 |
Abstract
Antiphospholipid syndrome is diagnosed when arterial or venous thrombosis or recurrent miscarriages occur in a person in whom laboratory tests for antiphospholipid antibodies (anticardiolipin antibodies and/or lupus anticoagulant and/or anti-beta 2-glycoprotein I) are positive. Despite the strong association between antiphospho-lipid antibodies and thrombosis, their pathogenic role in the development of thrombosis has not been fully elucidated. Novel mechanisms involving both the complement pathway and micro-particles have been described. The knowledge of these new pathogenic approaches might identify novel therapeutic targets and therefore may improve the management of these patients. |