Anti-Phospholipid Antibodies/Syndrome

Question 1

Which condition are anti-phospholipid antibodies present in?

Answer 1

SLE (30% of sufferers)

- and 2% of general population

Question 2

What features highlight the possibility of antiphospholipid syndrome?

Answer 2

Repeated thrombotic events (arterial and venous)

• miscarriages
• TIAs
• thromboses in unusual places e.g. cerebral or mesenteric circulations

Question 3

What is the treatment for antiphospholipid syndrome?

Answer 3

First-line = low-dose aspirin

However, major thrombotic events, e.g. DVT, will often require anticoagulation with warfarin