Measuring specific IgG antibodies against phosphatidylinositol in serum is a complementary test for diagnosing antiphospholipid syndrome.
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Antibodies against phosphatidylinositol belong to the group of antiphospholipid antibodies. Antiphospholipid antibodies are a heterogeneous group of autoantibodies against various phospholipids, the increased concentration of which indicates antiphospholipid syndrome. Phosphatidylinositol is a phospholipid of biological membranes and is located mainly on the lipid bilayer's inner (cytoplasmic) surface. Antibodies against phosphatidylinositol are not part of the laboratory criteria for diagnosing antiphospholipid syndrome and are, therefore, used only as an indication when the primary diagnostic antibodies of the syndrome are absent.
Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS, Hughes syndrome) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by thrombosis, pregnancy complications, and specific laboratory abnormalities. To diagnose it, at least one clinical criterion and one laboratory criterion must be present.
The clinical criteria include vascular thrombosis (arterial or venous or small vessel thrombosis in any organ or tissue) and pregnancy morbidity (unexplained fetal death after the 10th week, preterm labor, severe preeclampsia, or placental insufficiency). Other clinical manifestations, including cardiac valvular disease, reticuloendothelial cell carcinoma, thrombocytopenia, nephropathy, and neurological symptoms often associated with antiphospholipid syndrome, are not included in the diagnostic criteria.
The laboratory criteria for the diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome are the presence of anticoagulant lupus, the presence of IgG and/or IgM antibodies to cardiolipin, and the presence of IgG and/or IgM antibodies to β2 glycoprotein I (β2 GPI). All antibodies must be present on two or more occasions at least 12 weeks apart. IgA antibodies to cardiolipin and β2 glycoprotein I are not part of the laboratory criteria for antiphospholipid syndrome.
Antiphospholipid syndrome can be classified as primary (when not associated with an apparent underlying disease) or secondary (associated with another autoimmune disease, mainly systemic lupus erythematosus).
Possible Interpretation of Pathological Values
- Increase: Antiphospholipid syndrome (Hughes syndrome), Behcet's disease, cerebral palsy, chorea, diabetic muscle infarction, epilepsy, idiopathic thrombocythemia, giant cell arteritis, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), in vitro fertilization and failed embryo transfer, polymyalgia rheumatica, preeclampsia, renal graft failure, occlusive retinal angiopathy, syphilis, temporal arteritis, thrombosis (venous), varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection. Medications: Minocycline
Important Note
Laboratory test results are the most critical parameter for diagnosing and monitoring all pathological conditions. Between 70 to 80% of diagnostic decisions are based on laboratory tests. Correctly interpreting laboratory results allows a doctor to distinguish "healthy" from "diseased."
Laboratory test results should not be interpreted from the numerical result of a single analysis. Test results should be analyzed based on each case and family history, clinical findings, and the results of other laboratory tests and information. Your physician should explain the importance of your test results.
At Diagnostiki Athinon, we answer any questions you may have about the test you perform in our laboratory and contact your doctor to ensure you receive the best possible medical care.
