Secondary antiphospholipid syndrome in systemic lupus erythematosus – screening, diagnosis and treatment methods

Abstract

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is the hallmark of autoimmune diseases, being characterized by multiple organ involvements and immune abnormalities, amongst which the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies with or without specific clinical manifestations (vascular thromboses and pregnancy morbidities) has a significant impact on the disease course, both short and long term, causing the accumulation of irreversible damage. This study evaluates the aforementioned impact, highlighting the importance of very early screening for these antibodies.

Keywords

• antiphospholipid syndrome
• systemic lupus erythematosus
• thrombosis
• autoimmunity