The antiphospholipid antibody syndrome.
BACKGROUND
Recurrent miscarriages cause enormous distress and despair for sufferers. In a small number of patients this condition forms part of the antiphospholipid antibody syndrome. The anticardiolipin antibodies became quantifiable in 1983, which has meant that those suffering with this condition could be identified.


OBJECTIVE
This article reviews the current understanding of this condition and offers an approach for managing patients with various components of this syndrome.


CONCLUSIONS
The decision to screen for these antibodies is sometimes difficult as they can be presented in the normal population. However, by identifying the patient suffering with this condition, treatment can offered which may prevent a further miscarriage or a pregnant patient suffering a thromboembolic episode.
Johns
K R
KR
Monash Medical Centre, Melbourne, Victoria.
Littlejohn
G O
GO
D000026:Abortion, Habitual / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D000328:Adult; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000008:administration & dosage; D016736:Antiphospholipid Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D001241:Aspirin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D006493:Heparin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011247:Pregnancy
D000925:Anticoagulants; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; D006493:Heparin; D001241:Aspirin