Anti-β2-Glycoprotein-I Antibodies: A New Marker for Antiphospholipid Syndrome
Anti-β2-Glycoprotein-I Antibodies: A New Marker for Antiphospholipid Syndrome
Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune, hypercoagulable state caused by antiphospholipid antibodies. APS provokes blood clots (thrombosis) in both arteries and veins, thrombocytopenia, as well as pregnancy-related complications such as miscarriage and stillbirth.
The diagnostic criteria require one clinical event, i.e., thrombosis, thrombo-cytopenia, or a pregnancy complication, and at least one positive blood antibody test on two or more occasions at least 12 weeks apart. The antibody tests include:
Lupus anticoagulant (using diluted Russell's viper venom),Anti-cardiolipin, and Anti-β2-glycoprotein-I antibodies.The diagnostic criteria require one clinical event, i.e., thrombosis, thrombo-cytopenia, or a pregnancy complication, and at least one positive blood antibody test on two or more occasions at least 12 weeks apart. The antibody tests include:
Anti-β2-glycoprotein-I antibodies are found in immunoglobulin classes IgG, IgM, and IgA. IgM antibodies are valuable at the beginning of the disease, especially in cases associated with thrombosis and thrombocytopenia. IgG antibodies are valuable in progressive stages, especially in cases associated with thrombosis and fetal loss.
Quantitative measurement of anti-β2-glycoprotein-I antibodies (IgG/IgM) is routinely done in Alfa Laboratories.