title: Antiphospholipid syndrome.
abstract: Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune condition characterized by the occurrence of thrombosis (arterial and/or venous), often multiple, and/or pregnancy morbidity. Thrombosis is one of the major disease mechanisms, mainly caused by activating endothelial cells, monocytes, and platelets. At present, the management of APS patients with a history of thrombosis is based on long-term antithrombotic therapy, due to the high rate of recurrent thrombosis (29% per year without treatment). Obstetrical APS includes heterogeneous pregnancy complications whose pathogenesis has been increasingly elucidated in the past years. This is due to the current management and treatment, as 80% of APS patients achieve a live birth. The standard approach of APS is not supported by extensive evidence and the best options for refractory and incomplete cases need to be clarified. New and promising molecules are under investigation.
authors.affiliation: Lupus Research Unit, The Rayne Institute, Division of Women's Health, Kings College London, St. Thomas Hospital, London, United Kingdom; Department of Rheumatology, Dubai Hospital, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Electronic address: munther.khamashta@kcl.ac.uk.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Khamashta
authors.affiliation: Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, Spedali Civili of Brescia, Piazzale Spedali Civili of Brescia 1, 25123 Brescia, Italy. Electronic address: mara.taraborelli@gmail.com.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Taraborelli
authors.affiliation: Center of Research of Immunopathology and Rare Diseases - Coordinating Center of Piemonte and Valle d'Aosta Network for Rare Diseases, S. Giovanni Bosco Hospital, University of Turin, Piazza del Donatore di Sangue, 3, 10154 Turin, Italy. Electronic address: savino.sciascia@unito.it.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sciascia
authors.affiliation: Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, Spedali Civili and University of Brescia, Piazzale Spedali Civili of Brescia, 1, 25123 Brescia, Italy. Electronic address: angela.tincani@gmail.com.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tincani
mesh_terms: D017152:Antibodies, Antiphospholipid / Q000276:immunology*; D016736:Antiphospholipid Syndrome / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000276:immunology*; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000209:etiology
chemical_list: D017152:Antibodies, Antiphospholipid
keywords: Antiphospholipid antibodies; Antiphospholipid syndrome; Pregnancy; Thrombosis; β2 glycoprotein-I