What Is the Treatment of Definite Antiphospholipid Syndrome After a First Arterial Thrombosis?

Clinical scenario

This protocol addresses patients with definite antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) who have sustained a first arterial thrombotic event. This combination represents a high-stakes clinical situation requiring a structured anticoagulation strategy calibrated to each patient's thrombotic and bleeding risk.

Treatment approach

In this setting, anticoagulation with a vitamin K antagonist (VKA) is the recommended foundation of therapy, preferred over antiplatelet monotherapy alone. The choice of INR target range — and whether any adjunctive measure may be appropriate — depends on the individual risk profile.

The complete structured protocol specifies INR target selection, the conditions under which therapy adjustment is considered, and further management details. Access the full regimen below.