SSC Subcommittee on Antiphospholipid Syndrome

This SSC Subcommittee focuses on the pathophysiology, diagnosis and management of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). This includes the standardization of existing assays that detect antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL), evaluation of newly developed assays, advising on the diagnostic criteria for APS, and on antithrombotic treatment, as well as consideration of other potential new therapeutic strategies or re-evaluation of existing treatment for other disorders. The SSC Subcommittee’s membership includes haematologists, laboratory scientists, internists, rheumatologists, vascular specialists, obstetricians and gynaecologists, pharmacists and nurses, and is addressed to a large spectrum of specialists.

Mandate

To develop laboratory standards, methods, and nomenclature if appropriate
To create international collaborations for the purpose of planning and executing laboratory and clinical projects related to the defined needs in the field
To suggest or organize collaborative studies as a result of these activities
To address issues of practical importance to the research community and to clinicians involved in the field
To generate, publish and distribute reports, recommendations and other documents concerning all of the above

If you are interested in the subcommittee and would like to follow its activity, please click "join community" to sign up as a member (follower).

If you are a member of the Society and would like to know how to participate in the work of this group, please join the group to receive updates on activity or submit an Expression of Interest Form to the Chair or any of the Co-chairs. We would be pleased to hear of your interest. If you are a member of our SSC Subcommittee, you could do a project through the auspices of the ISTH via our Subcommittee - please contact the Chair or any of the Co-chairs.

We encourage our Early Career Co-chairs, currently three, including one Reach-the-World Co-chair, to lead and be involved with our SSC projects.

Our focus over the next year includes the following:

international collaborative work with APS ACTION: Harmonization of ELISA and non-ELISA Antiphospholipid Antibody Tests
guidance on the management of antiphospholipid antibody-positive patients with ischaemic stroke, transient ischaemic attack or other brain ischaemic injury
assessment of impaired fibrinolysis in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome
establish new relevant projects, including:
investigation of the diagnostic utility of alternative assays to dilute Russell's viper venom time and activated partial thromboplastin time in detection of lupus anticoagulants;
a survey on APS diagnosis and antithrombotic treatment in patients with acute ischemic cardiac disease;
a survey on immunomodulatory therapy use in patients with APS

Metrics

Updates by official communications of the SSC
Guidance documents on specific topics in laboratory diagnosis of APS
Involvement of early career Co-chairs in SSC projects
Organization of educational sessions
Communication and call for running/new initiatives during the annual SSC session

Leadership