Antiphospholipid Syndrome

Question 1

Define antiphospholipid syndrome

Answer 1

Characterised by the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies in the plasma

Question 2

What are the causes/risk factors of antiphospholipid syndrome?

Answer 2

Autoantibodies directed against plasma proteins bound to phospholipids (β2-Glp1,
prothrombin, annexin A5) -> venous, arterial and microvascular thrombosis
• SLE (30-40%)
• RA
• Other autoimmune
diseases e.g. thyroid
disease, pernicious
anaemia

Question 3

What are the symptoms of antiphospholipid syndrome?

Answer 3

Pregnancy-related morbidity
• Recurrent miscarriages
• Pre-eclampsia
• Placental abruption
• Intrauterine growth restriction

Arterial thromboses
• Stroke

Venous thromboses
• DVT (limb discomfort, swelling, tenderness)
• Post-phlebitic syndrome (limb discomfort, swelling, skin discoloration, ulcers)
• PE

Neurological
• Headaches
• Chorea
• Seizures

Question 4

What are the signs of antiphospholipid syndrome?

Answer 4

• Livedo reticularis (mottled purple skin discoloration)
• Cardiac murmur

SLE
• Malar rash
• Photosensitivity