Summary:
Antiphospholipid antibodies (APLA) represent a heterogenous group of antibodieswhichmayaffect
different coagulation cascade pathways by analogy with involvement of phospholipid surfaces in
various steps of blood coagulation. The result of this process leads usually to some degree of
thrombophilia. The most frequently detected APLA are represented by lupus anticoagulant (LA)
and anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL). Protein cofactors of antigen determinantswhich are involved
inAPLAgeneration are β2-GPI, prothrombin, proteinC, protein S, annexinV, high andlow molecular
mass kininogen, factor XII, thrombomodulin and tissue plasminogen activator. A majority of these
factors participate in the initial phase of coagulation cascade or in additional mechanisms of
checking on the cascade. It is possible that antibodies against these proteins can affect coagulation
balance. The syndrome represented by positive LA and aCL antibodies has been called antiphospholipid
syndrome. The basic concept of this syndrome is characterized by thrombophilic syndrome.
The main spectrum of clinical manifestations of APS includes arterial and venous thromboses,
spontaneous fetal losses and thrombocytopenia.
Key words:
lupus anticoagulant, antiphospholipid syndrome
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