Antiphospholipid Syndrome - A silent killer

Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS) is a multisystem autoimmune disorder characterized by venous thrombosis, recurrent pregnancy loss, fetal death and presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (apla).The entity remains hidden unless suspected and investigated by the clinician. The target antigens of the antibodies are phospholipid binding proteins. By binding the phospholipids expressed by the trophoblasts, aPLA inhibit successful embryonic implantation into the endometrium. APS can be treated by combination of aspirin and heparin. The combination promotes successful embryonic implantation in the early stages of pregnancy and prevents thrombosis of the uteroplacental vasculature after placentation. Low molecular weight heparin has found to be more convenient , safe and effective in treatment of antiphospholipid antibody syndrome and inherited and acquired thrombophilias.