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Abstract
Antiphospholipid antibodies are associated with arterial and venous thrombosis, recurrent
pregnancy loss, and thrombocytopenia. Although the antibodies have not been conclusively
shown to be causal in thrombosis and miscarriage, they are useful laboratory markers
for the antiphospholipid syndrome. The identification of the syndrome is clinically
important because of the risk of recurrent thrombosis and the need for antithrombotic
therapy in many cases. Diagnosis and treatment of antiphospholipid syndrome is difficult,
however, because of the protean clinical manifestations and associations, limitations
of existing laboratory tests for antiphospholipid antibodies, and the absence of evidence-based
guidance on best management.