GENETIC-ASPECTS OF THE PRIMARY ANTIPHOSPHOLIPID SYNDROME

A genetic basis for the primary antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is suggested by the frequent familial clustering of primary APS, systemic lupus erythematosus and other autoimmune diseases. Twenty familial cases of primary APS have been identified. The occurence of primary APS has been said to be associated with HLA DQ7, DRw53, or the presence of C4A or C4B null alleles. Large familial studies performed in consecutive patients with primary APS are needed to determine the frequency of familial versus sporadic forms and to identify the genetic risk factors associated with its occurrence and expression.