Antiphospholipid antibodies (APLAs) are autoantibodies that target phospholipid-binding proteins. Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a multisystemic autoimmune disorder. The hallmark of APS comprises the persistent presence of APLAs in the setting of arterial and venous thrombus or pregnancy loss.
The most common sites for venous and arterial thrombosis are the lower limbs and cerebral arterial circulation, respectively. However, thrombosis can occur in any organ. Laboratory tests, including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and functional assays, are used to identify APS. The 3 known APLAs include:
Anticardiolipin antibodies IgG or IgM (ELISA)
Anti-beta-2-glycoprotein-I (anti-β2GPI) antibodies IgG or IgM (ELISA)
Lupus anticoagulants (functional clotting assays)
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