What are anti-cardiolipin antibodies?

Anti-cardiolipin antibodies are autoimmune antibodies that are produced by the body and whose target antigen is a negatively charged phospholipid, called cardiolipin. If antibodies are produced to cardiolipin, the anti-cardiolipin antibodies are present. A positive anti-cardiolipin antibody depends on the presence of antiphospholipid syndrome, which is diagnosed by testing twice, 12 weeks apart for a positive anti-cardiolipin antibody. Positive antiphospholipid antibodies are associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes for pregnant women, including recurrent miscarriage, embryonic arrest, and preeclampsia. In addition, if the mother is positive for anti-cardiolipin antibodies, she should also be aware of any signs and symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus. If the mother is positive for anticardiolipin antibodies herself, or has recurrent spontaneous miscarriages or fetal abortions, it is recommended to visit the rheumatology department for further evaluation and examination, and if the diagnosis is antiphospholipid syndrome, relevant treatment will be required.