What is Antiphospholipid syndrome?

an acquired disorder characterised by a predisposition to both venous and arterial thromboses, recurrent fetal loss and thrombocytopenia

What are the main clinical features of Antiphospholipid syndrome?

• venous/arterial thrombosis
• recurrent fetal loss
• livedo reticularis
• other features: pre-eclampsia, pulmonary hypertension

What is seen on routine bloods in Antiphospholipid syndrome?

• thrombocytopenia
• prolonged APTT

What are the main associations of Antiphospholipid syndrome?

• most commonly associated with systemic lupus erythematosus
• other autoimmune disorders
• lymphoproliferative disorders

Which antibodies are related to Antiphospholipid syndrome?

• anticardiolipin antibodies
• anti-beta2 glycoprotein I (anti-beta2GPI) antibodies
• lupus anticoagulant

What is the treatment for a patient with Antiphospholipid syndrome after having a thromboembolic event?

lifelong warfarin

What is the treatment for patients with Antiphospholipid syndrome who have not had a thromboembolic event?

low-dose aspirin