Abstract
The Hughes syndrome involves raised blood antibodies against phospholipid binding proteins, with increased venous and arterial thrombosis in the brain and elsewhere. The syndrome is responsible for 18% of strokes under age 55 years, has a bad prognosis, and can be precipitated by the contraceptive pill and smoking. Both aspirin and warfarin had a 50% success rate in preventing recurrent strokes. Reccurent miscarriages and high losses later in pregnancy are responding to management and obstetric interventions with the chance of a live birth improving to 70%.