Antiphospholipid Syndrome and Its Management

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by thrombosis or pregnancy morbidity coupled with persistent antiphospholipid antibodies. The antibodies contributing to APS diagnosis are lupus anticoagulant, anticardiolipin antibodies, and anti-beta-2 glycoprotein I antibodies. In 2023, the American College of Rheumatology and the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology jointly published updated classification criteria for APS. Management involves identifying and mitigating thrombosis risk factors. Vitamin K antagonists are the standard of care; the use of aspirin is controversial and depends on the patient's risk profile. Direct oral anticoagulant use is generally not recommended, based on limited evidence. More research is needed to establish therapeutic recommendations for APS.