Abstract
Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS) is a systemic, autoimmune, prothrombotic disease characterized by persistent antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs), thrombosis, recurrent abortion, complications during pregnancy, and occasionally thrombocytopenia. The objective of the present study was to review the pathophysiology of APS and its association with female infertility. A bibliographic review of articles of the past 20 years was performed at the PubMed, Scielo, and Bireme databases. Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome may be associated with primary infertility, interfering with endometrial decidualization and with decreased ovarian reserve. Antiphospholipid antibodies also have direct negative effects on placentation, when they bind to the trophoblast, reducing their capacity for invasion, and proinflammatory effects, such as complement activation and neutrophil recruitment, contributing to placental insufficiency, restricted intrauterine growth, and fetal loss. In relation to thrombosis, APS results in a diffuse thrombotic diathesis, with global and diffuse dysregulation of the homeostatic balance. Knowing the pathophysiology of APS, which is closely linked to female infertility, is essential for new therapeutic approaches, specialized in immunomodulation and inflammatory signaling pathways, to provide important advances in its treatment.
Highlights
Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS) was first described in 1983
Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome and primary infertility Primary infertility is defined as the absence of gestation after 12 months of intercourse without the use of contraceptives
4 studies evaluated anti-β-2-glycoprotein, and yet, 75% of them revealed a positive association with infertility
Summary
Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS) was first described in 1983. It is defined as a prothrombotic autoimmune disease, characterized by the presence of persistent antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs), thrombosis, recurrent abortion, and, occasionally, thrombocytopenia. It can manifest itself in isolation (primary APS) or associated with another autoimmune disease (secondary APS). Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, an acquired thrombophilia, is associated with arterial and venous thrombosis, which can occur in unusual sites, such as hepatic veins, visceral veins, and in the cerebral venous circulation. Any signs of thrombosis in these sites require investigation of APS.[3]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
