Antiphospholipid syndrome.

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is defined as the presence of venous or arterial thromboses, and/or recurrent miscarriage, with evidence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). Central to the disease, is the development of the antibodies to phospholipid molecules themselves, or to their binding proteins. The production of these antibodies may depend upon the unusual exposure of cytoplasmic molecules seen during the process of apoptosis. The exact pathogenesis of antiphospholipid syndrome remains unclear, but various putative models exist. These include the up-regulation of endothelial cell adhesion molecules, membrane disruption during lipid peroxidation, a dysfunction of endogenous anticoagulants, or abnormal platelet aggregation. The mainstay of treatment is with aspirin or warfarin, and more research is required to discover novel, and safer, therapies.