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Antiphospholipid antibodies in paediatrics

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Abstract

Antiphospholipid antibodies, i.e. circulating auto-antibodies to negatively charged phospholipids, are mainly observed in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, but may also occur in individuals who lack evidence of a well-defined systemic disease. Several studies have suggested that they may play a direct role in the pathogenesis of recurrent vascular thrombosis, repeated abortions, and thrombocytopenia (socalled antiphospholipid antibody syndrome), although the mechanism by which this occurs is still poorly understood. The management of patients with antiphospholipid antibody-related thrombosis includes anti-aggregants, anticoagulants, corticosteroids, and cytotoxic drugs, but the optimum treatment is still controversial. Here we review the test systems used to detect antiphospholipid antibodies and their significance in paediatrics.

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Abbreviations

aCL :

anticardiolipin antibodies

aPL :

antiphospholipid antibodies

APS :

antiphospholipid antibody syndrome

BFP-STS :

biological false-positive serological test for syphilis

JCA :

juvenile chronic arthritis

LA :

lupus anticoagulant

PTT :

partial thromboplastin time

SLE :

systemic lupus erythematosus

STS :

standard tests for syphilis

VDRL :

Venereal Disease Research Laboratory

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. IRCCS S. Matteo, Clinica Pediatrica dell'Università, P. le Golgi, 2, 1-27100, Pavia, Italy

    A. Ravelli, A. Martini & G. R. Burgio

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  1. A. Ravelli
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  2. A. Martini
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  3. G. R. Burgio
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Ravelli, A., Martini, A. & Burgio, G.R. Antiphospholipid antibodies in paediatrics. Eur J Pediatr 153, 472–479 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01956999

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