Antiphospholipid antibodies.

Antiphospholipid antibodies are prevalent in systemic lupus erythematosus. These antibodies are not specific for systemic lupus erythematosus but may be found in other diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, mixed connective tissue disease. Sjögren's syndrome, syphilis and chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. High serum levels of anticardiolipin antibodies in systemic lupus erythematosus are associated with circulating lupus anticoagulant, false positive VDRL and the occurrence of thrombosis, thrombocytopenia and recurrent abortions. The immunological reactions of the antiphospholipid antibodies are not fully understood. Optimal treatment and length of therapy of patients with antiphospholipid antibodies remain tentative.