Does warfarin prevent venous thromboembolic events in aPL-positive patients?

Abstract

Yes, warfarin is effective in the secondary prevention of venous thromboembolic events (VTEs) for patients positive for lupus anticoagulant or anticardiolipin antibody (also known as antiphospholipid antibodies [aPL]) (strength of recommendation [SOR]: B, single cohort study, extrapolation from other RCTs). Patients should be treated for at least a year (SOR: C, consensus statement), and possibly indefinitely, with warfarin (SOR: B, small clinical trials and cohort studies). Moderate-intensity therapy (international normalized ratio [INR] range, 2.0-3.0) appears to be the best balance between risks and benefits (SOR: B, based on meta-analysis of 2 small randomized control trials.