(ăn″tĭ-fŏs″fō-lĭp′ĭd ăn′tĭ-bŏd″ē sĭn′drōm″)
[Pronunciation]
Abbreviation: APAS.

A condition characterized by hypercoagulability associated with high blood levels of IgG antibodies against phospholipids, which are a major component of cell membranes.
Many affected patients have a systemic autoimmune disease, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, but others present only with a history of frequent arterial and venous thrombi or pregnancy loss. Recent evidence suggests that antiphospholipid antibodies play a role in approx. 20% of strokes, esp. in patients who do not have common risk factors for stroke. Antiphospholipid antibodies include lupus anticoagulant and anticardiolipins; the presence of the latter causes these patients to test positive for syphilis.
Thromboses caused by the syndrome are treated and prevented with heparin, warfarin, corticosteroids, or, in some instances, immunosuppressant drugs such as cyclophosphamide.

Warfarin should not be used during pregnancy, because of the risk of fetal malformations.