Preface

This issue of Hematology Oncology Clinics of North America is dedicated to the topic of antiphospholipid syndromes. The antiphospholipid syndromes are the most common of the acquired thrombophilias but remain unclear and confusing to most clinicians and physicians in general. These disorders commonly lead to arterial and venous thrombosis and other serious clinical sequelae, but many physicians forget to consider testing for antiphospholipid syndrome when faced with these events. Indeed, many do not recognize the different antiphospholipid antibodies that may be associated with these events. These antibodies include lupus anticoagulants, anticardiolipin antibodies, beta-2-glycoprotein-1, and antiphospholipid antibody subgroups including antiphosphatidylserine, antiphosphatidylinositol, antiphosphatidylcholine, antiphosphatidylglycerol, antiphosphatidylethanolamine, antiphosphatidic acid, antiannexin-V, and hexagonal phospholipids. These antiphospholipid antibodies lead to thrombotic, thromboembolic, and other catastrophic events in a wide variety of medical and surgical settings. Thus this issue is written by experts in the various specialties in which antiphospholipid syndromes are most commonly seen. In addition sections are dedicated to laboratory diagnostic features and available tests, pathophysiology, and controversies.

We hope this issue will increase awareness and appreciation for these serious syndromes and thus result in rapid diagnosis and treatment and better patient care.