Clinical consequences of antiphospholipid antibodies

Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL), notably the lupus anticoagulant and anticardiolipin antibodies, are the serological hallmarks of the antiphospholipid syndrome. Thrombosis and pregnancy complications are the most prominent clinical manifestations of this syndrome. This paper provides the clinician with guidelines for ordering and interpreting tests for aPL and discusses consequences for treatment if persistently positive tests are found.