Antiphospholipid antibodies can be detected in up to a third of patients with inflammatory and autoimmune rheumatic diseases, especially in systemic scleroderma.

Although the association between antiphospholipid antibodies and thromboembolism has been observed in few studies, there are not enough data to support routine screening for antiphospholipid antibodies in all the rheumatic diseases other than lupus.

In some circumstances, such as pregnancy planning and thrombosis in the context a rheumatic disease, screening for antiphospholipid antibodies might be indicated.