Antiphospholipid Antibodies: Paradigm in Transition Publisher Pubmed



Horstman LL¹ ; Jy W¹ ; Bidot CJ¹ ; Ahn YS¹ ; Kelley RE² ; Zivadinov R³ ; Maghzi AH⁴ ; Etemadifar M⁴ ; Mousavi SA⁴ ; Minagar A² Show Affiliations
Source: Journal of Neuroinflammation Published:2009

Abstract

Objectives: This is a critical review of anti-phospholipid antibodies (aPL). Most prior reviews focus on the aPL syndrome (APS), a thrombotic condition often marked by neurological disturbance. We bring to attention recent evidence that aPL may be equally relevant to non-thrombotic autoimmune conditions, notably, multiple sclerosis and ITP. Organization: After a brief history, the recent proliferation of aPL target antigens is reviewed. The implication is that many more exist. Theories of aPL in thrombosis are then reviewed, concluding that all have merit but that aPL may have more diverse pathological consequences than now recognized. Next, conflicting results are explained by methodological differences. The lupus anticoagulant (LA) is then discussed. LA is the best predictor of thrombosis, but why this is true is not settled. Finally, aPL in non-thrombotic disorders is reviewed. Conclusion: The current paradigm of aPL holds that they are important in thrombosis, but they may have much wider clinical significance, possibly of special interest in neurology. © 2009 Horstman et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.