aetiology
Last reviewed 01/2018
The cause of the disease is largely unknown. Evidence suggests that the aetiology is multifactorial (1).
There is a familial association in some cases of APS. HLA studies suggest DR7, DR4 and DQw7 plus DRw53 are risk factors.
The aPL antibody is targeted to the combination of cardiolipin with a plasma protein called beta-glycoprotein I.
In vivo aPL has a procoagulant effect on:
- platelet membranes
- endothelium
- prothrombin, protein C and protein S
aPL is found in the serum of 30% of patients with SLE, in this context it is termed "lupus anticoagulant".
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