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Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies that increase the risk of arterial and venous thrombosis, recurrent pregnancy loss, and thrombocytopenia. It can occur as a primary condition or secondary to other autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus.
Antiphospholipid antibodies, including lupus anticoagulant, anticardiolipin antibodies, and anti-β2-glycoprotein I antibodies, interfere with phospholipid-dependent coagulation reactions and activate endothelial cells. These antibodies promote a prothrombotic state by enhancing platelet aggregation, inhibiting natural anticoagulant pathways, and activating complement cascades that damage vascular endothelium.
Diagnosis requires both clinical criteria (arterial/venous thrombosis or pregnancy morbidity) and laboratory criteria (persistent presence of antiphospholipid antibodies on two occasions at least 12 weeks apart). Treatment focuses on anticoagulation with warfarin for thrombotic events and low-dose aspirin with heparin during pregnancy to prevent recurrent losses and complications.