RESUMO
The presence of antiphospholipid antibodies is associated with a clinical syndrome characterised by thrombocytopenia, arterial and venous thromboses and recurrent fetal loss. Among theses antibodies currently detectable in laboratory are the lupus anticoagulant and anticardiolipin antibody. The antigens for these antibodies are phospholipid-binding-proteins [prothrombin and beta 2 glycoprotein. I]. The exact mechanism of action of antiphospholipid antibodies remains controversal. The pathogenesis of pregnancy loss seems related to the increased incidence of placental infraction. In spite of the improvement in our knowledge on the pathogenic mechanisms of the antiphospholipid syndrome, the standard therapy is still based on anti-platelet or anticoagulant drugs, both for vascular and obstetrical problems. Larger prospective clinical studies are needed to validate therapeutic implications