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Aetiology

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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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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