Abstract
The current mainstay of the treatment and secondary thromboprophylaxis of thrombotic
antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is anticoagulation with warfarin or other vitamin
K antagonists (VKAs). In addition to their well-known limitations, VKAs are often
problematic in APS patients because of the variable sensitivity of thromboplastins
to lupus anticoagulant. As a result, the international normalized ratio may not accurately
reflect the intensity of anticoagulation. Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are established
as therapeutic alternatives to VKAs for a wide range of indications, including the
treatment and secondary prevention of venous thromboembolism. Definition of the role
of DOACs in the treatment of thrombotic APS is emerging with the results of recent
and ongoing clinical studies. This review focuses on the current situation with regard
to DOACs for secondary thromboprophylaxis in APS and issues pertinent to DOAC use
in APS patients, as well as potential future directions.
Keywords
direct oral anticoagulants - thromboprophylaxis - antiphospholipid syndrome - venous
thromboembolism - ischemic stroke