Hydroxychloroquine as an anti-thrombotic in antiphospholipid syndrome

Elective therapeutic approaches are required since recurrent thrombosis remains a major challenge in the management of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) despite an efficient anticoagulation. Several data suggest that hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) could play a role in the prevention of thrombosis. The goal of this review is to point out the different aspects that could suggest the usefulness and the efficacy of HCQ for the prevention of thrombosis relapse in APS. By Medline research we collected important data dealing with potential anti-thrombotic effects of HCQ The mechanisms of action of HCQ and clinical and experimental data in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and APS are discussed. As HCQ reduces the risk of thrombosis in both SLE patients and animal models of APS (1-7), and possibly decreases the titre of aPL [8], its beneficial role as a potential antithrombotic could be suggested. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.