Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by recurrent thrombosis due to the presence of antibodies directed against phospholipid-binding proteins, interfering with normal coagulation.
- APS can appear on its own (primary) or in association with another disease such as SLE (secondary).
- The thrombosis may appear in the veins (more commonly) or arteries (most often affecting the CNS).
- Catastrophic APS is a medical emergency characterized by widespread thrombosis that can lead to multiorgan failure (rare;