Treatment of Neurologic Complications of Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome

Abstract

Thrombosis associated with antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) occurs in both venous and the arterial circulation. The most common arterial thrombo-occlusive event is cerebral infarction. We briefly review treatment strategies aimed at patients with cerebrovascular disease and aPL. Besides general treatment issues, we discuss primary prevention and secondary prevention. Most regimens include antithrombotics or immune modulation. Prospective studies (currently underway) are required to better estimate the rate of recurrent thrombo-occlusive events on standardized therapy before one therapy can be recommended over another with reasonable evidence.