Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome

Antiphospholipid antibodies (APLA) are a heterogeneous group of autoantibodies associated with both arterial and venous thrombosis, recurrent pregnancy loss, and thrombocytopenia. They can occur either in association with other autoimmune conditions, most frequently systemic lUpus erythematosus (SLE), or in isolation, a condition known as the primary antiphospholipid antibody syndrome. In the research laboratory, many antiphospholipid antibodies (with varying epitope specificity) can be identified. However, in clinical practice, the antiphospholipid antibodies are divided into two large groups, the lupus anticoagulants and the anticardiolipin antibodies.