Antiphospholipid antibodies and antiphospholipid syndrome

Abstract

Individuals with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) have antibodies directed against phospholipid-binding proteins (aPL). The condition is most associated with an increased risk of thromboembolism and obstetric complications. The 2023 classification criteria for APS include six clinical domains (venous thromboembolism, arterial thrombosis, microvascular events, obstetric events, cardiac valve, thrombocytopaenia) and two laboratory domains (lupus anticoagulant, and anti-cardiolipin or anti–β2-glycoprotein-I antibodies). Diagnosis and treatment of APS are specialist tasks and are summarised in this review.