Novel advances on pathophysiological mechanisms, clinical manifestations, and treatment of antiphospholipid syndrome

Abstract

Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by arterial and venous thrombosis, pregnancy-related complications, and persistent antiphospholipid antibodies. These manifestations pose significant risks to patient health and reproductive outcomes. Initially regarded as a manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), APS exhibits a close epidemiological association with SLE, occurring at significantly higher incidence in SLE patients. The precise pathophysiological relationship between these diseases remains unclear. Nevertheless, as an independent clinical disease, research on APS pathological mechanisms continues to advance comprehensively. The publication of the “2023 ACR/EULAR antiphospholipid syndrome classification criteria” provides refined diagnostic standards. Consequently, this review synthesizes prior studies to clarify APS pathophysiological mechanisms, explore its relationship with SLE, update emerging treatments, and provide insights for clinical management.