A Case Series of Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome

Abstract

Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune thrombotic condition with recurrent arterial or venous thrombosis and pregnancy morbidity, due to the chronic presence of Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) like Lupus Anticoagulant, Anticardiolipin and Anti-β2 Glycoprotein I Antibodies. It may present as a primary syndrome or secondary to autoimmune illnesses, with the most frequent being systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE). The incidence of aPL antibodies in the general population is about 1–5%, but actual clinical APS is uncommon. There is an estimated incidence of 40–50 per 100,000 people, primarily occurring in females (F:M ratio 5:1). In SLE patients, 20–40% of them have aPL antibodies but only 10–15% manifest with clinical APS. APS is responsible for up to 20% of deep vein thromboses, 30% of strokes in young adults and 10–15% of recurrent pregnancy loss. In recurrent pregnancy loss or unexplained fetal loss, 5–15% of women have a positive test for aPL antibodies. In a rare but disabling form, Catastrophic APS (CAPS) is characterized by progressive multiorgan thrombosis and very high mortality (<1% of patients with APS).