The Open Autoimmunity Journal

2010, 2 : 45-48
Published online 2010 March 11. DOI: 10.2174/1876894601002010045
Publisher ID: TOAUTOJ-2-45

Clinical Studies Examining Thrombosis Related to Autoimmune Antiphospholipid Antibodies

Maria Laura Bertolaccini and Munther A. Khamashta
Lupus Research Unit, The Rayne Institute, King’s College London School of Medicine, St Thomas’ Hospital, London, UK

ABSTRACT

Laboratory diagnosis of APS relies on the demonstration of positive antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL), including anticardiolipin antibody (aCL) and/or anti-β2 glycoprotein I antibody (anti-β2GPI) by an in-house or commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or lupus anticoagulant (LA) by a coagulation-based test. The relationship between aPL and thrombosis has been abundantly studied. However, the reported results, largely influenced by differences in study design, patient population and antibody assays, have been controversial and the precise serological ‘fingerprint’ of the patients most at risk of thrombosis remains elusive.

Keywords:

Antiphospholipid antibodies, thrombosis, antiphospholipid syndrome.