Cardiolipin Antibodies

Cardiolipins, and other related phospholipids, are lipid molecules normally found in cell membranes and platelets. They play an important role in the blood clotting process. When antibodies are produced against cardiolipins, they increase an affected patient’s risk of developing recurrent inappropriate blood clots (thrombi) in both arteries and veins. Cardiolipin antibodies are also associated with thrombocytopenia, recurrent miscarriages (especially in the 2nd and 3rd trimester), and with premature labor and pre-eclampsia.

Cardiolipin antibodies are frequently seen with autoimmune disorders, such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), and with other antiphospholipid antibodies, such as lupus anticoagulant. They may also be seen temporarily in patients with acute infections, HIV/AIDS, some cancers, with drug treatments (such as phenytoin, penicillin, and procainamide), and asymptomatically in the elderly.

When a patient has thrombi formation, recurrent miscarriages, thrombocytopenia, cardiolipin antibodies, and/or another antiphospholipid antibody, they may be diagnosed with Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS). APS can be primary with no underlying autoimmune disorder or secondary, existing with a diagnosed autoimmune disorder.