Antiphospholipid syndrome and persistent antiphospholipid (aPL) antibodies associated with SLE

Antiphospholipid syndrome is an autoimmune condition that is associated with inflammatory connective tissue diseases, most commonly SLE. It can also occur as a primary condition without association with an inflammatory connective tissue disease. For detailed information, see Antiphospholipid syndrome.

People with SLE commonly have persistent, asymptomatic antiphospholipid (aPL) antibodies (prevalence approximately 40%); however, in the absence of clinical features, this does not confirm a diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome. Depending on which aPL antibodies are present, as well as individual risk factors, a person may have an increased risk of thromboembolic disease or pregnancy complications.

Note: Antiphospholipid antibodies are commonly found in people with SLE, but in the absence of clinical features, the antibodies do notconfirm a diagnosis of SLE-associated antiphospholipid syndrome.

If someone with SLE has persistent aPL antibodies and goes on to develop thromboembolic disease (eg unprovoked deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, stroke at a young age), the diagnosis becomes thrombotic antiphospholipid syndrome.

If someone with SLE has persistent aPL antibodies and goes on to develop obstetric complications (eg recurrent early miscarriages, mid-trimester pregnancy loss, late-pregnancy complications), the diagnosis becomes obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome.