¿Se deben tratar preventivamente los pacientes asintomáticos con anticuerpos antifosfolípidos?

Abstract

The prevalence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) in the general population is 1%. Not all asymptomatic patients with aPL antibodies have the same risk for thrombosis, and consequently routine prophylaxis with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) is not justified in terms of risk-benefit in all asymptomatic carriers. Based on current evidence, primary prevention is indicated only in high-risk groups including the following: a)in patients with anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL) at persistently high titers, repeatedly positive lupus anticoagulant (LA) or aCL positivity, LA and anti-beta2 glycoprotein I (triple positivity) regardless of titer; b)in situations of high thrombotic risk due to the concomitant presence of other thrombotic risk factors (hypertension, immobilization, surgery, etc.); c) in the presence of a systemic autoimmune disease, particularly systemic lupus erythematosus, and d) during pregnancy. Prophylactic treatment in these patients is based on the use of ASA. In specific situations, low-molecular-weight heparin and hydroxychloroquine are also useful.