Pediatric antiphospholipid antibodies and antiphospholipid syndrome

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) can occur in children, like adults, with the same diverse spectrum of thrombotic sites but predominately with deep vein thrombosis and stroke. In contrast with adults, however, transient nonthrombogenic antiphospholipid (aPL) antibodies are seen more commonly, usually after childhood infections. In those with "true" aPL antibodies, recurrent thrombotic events seem less frequent than in adults, perhaps reflecting the less prothrombotic hemostatic state of childhood. Children with thrombotic events in APS present difficult management problems, as there is little evidence-based medicine. The duration and intensity of anticoagulation are unresolved management issues, but a target international normalized ratio of 2 to 3 is used by most. Multicenter randomized controlled trials would provide answers to some of these issues but are difficult to organize due to ethical issues and the rarity of the condition. A pediatric APS registry such as the Ped-APS Register is more easy to organize and can yield informative data.