DISEASE

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS)

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is characterized by thromboses in the larger arteries and veins and thrombotic microangiopathy.

Indications: Suspicion of antiphospholipid syndrome. Thromboembolism in patients without other risk factors. Unexplained prolonged APT time. Repeated spontaneous abortions.

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is characterized by thromboses in the larger arteries and veins and thrombotic microangiopathy. Common manifestations are deep vein thrombosis, thrombocytopeny and neurological symptoms or repeated spontaneous abortions. APS occurs in up to a third of patients with lupus erythematosus.

Diagnostic criteria suggested for APS are at least one clinical manifestation of thromboembolism or pregnancy complication and at least one laboratory criterion, see below. The increased tendency to thrombosis formation is due to the presence of antibodies against phospholipids, which can inhibit both pro- and anticoagulative components of the coagulation system. In vitro the antibodies inhibit the phospholipiddependent coagulation factors, which leads to a prolonged APT time.