Epidemiology

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) can occur in patients without an underlying systemic autoimmune disease (primary APS) or with other autoimmune disease (previously known as secondary APS), particularly in association with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The annual incidence of APS in adults has been reported to be 2 per 100,000 population, while the estimated prevalence is 50 per 100,000.[5]​ Antiphospholipid antibodies have been reported to have a prevalence of between 1.0% and 5.6% in normal healthy populations and may increase with age.[6][7]​ The prevalence of antiphospholipid antibodies in association with SLE has been shown to be 30% to 40%, and 6% with rheumatoid arthritis.[8]

Antiphospholipid antibodies have been reported in up to 14% of patients presenting with thrombosis and in 20% of patients presenting with recurrent pregnancy losses.[8][9][10][11]​ Female-to-male ratios ranging from 5:1 to 2:1 have also been observed.[12] The mean age of symptom onset is approximately 34 years, with 85% of patients being diagnosed between ages 15 and 50 years.[12]

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