ANTI CARDIOLIPIN ANTIBODIES

Cardiolipin antibodies, autoantibodies produced by the immune system, erroneously target the body’s cardiolipins—a subset of phospholipids crucial for cell membrane and platelet integrity. The test under consideration identifies these antibodies in the bloodstream. The intricate relationship between cardiolipins and related phospholipids is pivotal for maintaining proper blood clotting regulation. When cardiolipin antibodies disrupt this delicate balance, they elevate the risk of recurrent inappropriate blood clot formation in veins and arteries, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). Additionally, their connection to thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), recurrent miscarriages (particularly in the second and third trimester), as well as premature labor and pre-eclampsia underscores the diverse and potentially serious health implications. The nuanced mechanisms through which these antibodies impact blood clotting and contribute to various complications are not fully understood, underscoring the complexity of their effects on physiological processes.