Antiphospholipid antibodies in paediatrics.
Antiphospholipid antibodies, i.e. circulating auto-antibodies to negatively charged phospholipids, are mainly observed in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, but may also occur in individuals who lack evidence of a well-defined systemic disease. Several studies have suggested that they may play a direct role in the pathogenesis of recurrent vascular thrombosis, repeated abortions, and thrombocytopenia (so-called antiphospholipid antibody syndrome), although the mechanism by which this occurs is still poorly understood. The management of patients with antiphospholipid antibody-related thrombosis includes anti-aggregants, anticoagulants, corticosteroids, and cytotoxic drugs, but the optimum treatment is still controversial. Here we review the test systems used to detect antiphospholipid antibodies and their significance in paediatrics.
Ravelli
A
A
Clinica Pediatrica dell'Università, IRCCS S. Matteo, Pavia, Italy.
Martini
A
A
Burgio
G R
GR
D000293:Adolescent; D017152:Antibodies, Antiphospholipid / Q000276:immunology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000276:immunology*; D008297:Male; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology
D017152:Antibodies, Antiphospholipid