Anorectal diseases in patients with Antiphospholipid syndrome: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background: Hemorrhoid disease (HD) is one of the most common gastrointestinal complaints worldwide, affecting 4.4% of the general population in the United States. Since antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) may lead to intra-abdominal thrombosis, one may expect that this condition can impact the risk for HD development. Additionally, as APS patients are more prone to thrombosis and treatment with anticoagulants may increase risk of bleeding, one may also infer that rates of HD complications may be higher in this scenario. Nevertheless, no data in these regards have been published until now. The objective of the present study is to evaluate frequency of HD and describe its complications rates in antiphospholipid syndrome APS patients. Methods: We consecutively invited patients who fulfilled APS criteria to undergo proctological examination. After examination, patients were divided in two groups, based on the presence of HD, and compared regarding different clinical manifestations and antiphospholipid profile. We performed the analysis of the data, using chi-square and Mann Whitney U when applicable and considering a significance level of 0.05. Multivariate regression analysis included age and variables with p < 0.10 in the bivariate analysis. Results: Forty-one APS patients agreed to undergo proctological examination. All were female and overall median age was 43 (36-49). Seventeen (41.4%) patients were diagnosed with HD, with the following frequency distribution: 7 internal (41.2%), 4 external (23.5%) and 5 mixed hemorrhoids (29.4%). Of the internal hemorrhoids, 5 patients were classified as grade I (71.4%), 1 grade II (14.3%), and 1 grade IV (14.3%). Prior gestation ( p = 0.067) and constipation ( p = 0.067) correlated with a higher frequency of HD. In multivariate analysis, constipation remained as an important risk factor (OR 3.92,CI95% 1.03-14.2, p = 0.037). Five out of 17 patients (29.4%) reported anal bleeding, but it did not correlate with warfarin dose ( p = 0.949). Surgical treatment was indicated for 10 patients (58.8%). Other anorectal findings were anal fissure, plicoma, condyloma and one chlamydial retitis. Conclusion: We found an unexpected high frequency of hemorrhoids in APS patients, with a great proportion requiring surgical treatment.(AU)

Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome and infertility / Síndrome anticorpo antifosfolípide e infertilidade

Abstract Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS) is a systemic, autoimmune, prothrombotic disease characterized by persistent antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs), thrombosis, recurrent abortion, complications during pregnancy, and occasionally thrombocytopenia. The objective of the present study was to review the pathophysiology of APS and its association with female infertility. A bibliographic review of articles of the past 20 yearswas performed at the PubMed, Scielo, and Bireme databases. Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome may be associated with primary infertility, interfering with endometrial decidualization and with decreased ovarian reserve. Antiphospholipid antibodies also have direct negative effects on placentation, when they bind to the trophoblast, reducing their capacity for invasion, and proinflammatory effects, such as complement activation and neutrophil recruitment, contributing to placental insufficiency, restricted intrauterine growth, and fetal loss. In relation to thrombosis, APS results in a diffuse thrombotic diathesis, with global and diffuse dysregulation of the homeostatic balance. Knowing the pathophysiology of APS, which is closely linked to female infertility, is essential for new therapeutic approaches, specialized in immunomodulation andinflammatory signaling pathways, to provide important advances in its treatment.

Resumo A Síndrome do anticorpo antifosfolípide (SAF) é uma doença sistêmica, autoimune e prótrombótica caracterizada por anticorpos antifosfolípides, trombose, aborto recorrente, complicações durante a gestação, e, ocasionalmente, trombocitopenia. O objetivo do presente estudo foi revisar a fisiopatologia da SAF e sua associação com a infertilidade feminina. Foi feita uma revisão bibliográfica dos últimos 20 anos nas bases de dados PubMed, Scielo e Bireme. A SAF pode estar associada à infertilidade primária, interferindo na decidualização endometrial e combaixas reservas ovarianas. Os anticorpos antifosfolípides também apresentam efeito negativo direto na placentação, se ligando ao trofoblasto e diminuindo sua capacidade de invasão, além de efeitos pró-inflamatórios, tais como ativação do sistema de complemento e recrutamento de neutrófilos, contribuindo para a insuficiência placentária, crescimento intrauterino restrito e perda fetal.Quanto a trombose, a SAF resulta em distúrbios trombóticos difusos, com uma desregulação do balanço homeostático. Conhecer a fisiopatologia da SAF, que apresenta associação importante com a infertilidade feminina, é essencial para novas abordagens terapêuticas, principalmente no que tange imunomodulação e os caminhos de ativação inflamatórios.

Síndrome antifosfolípido catastrófico "seronegativo" en pediatría: caso clínico / "Seronegative" catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome in pediatrics: clinical case

INTRODUCCIÓN: El síndrome antifosfolípido es una trombofilia adquirida autoinmune, caracterizada por trombosis arteriales y/o venosas. En raras ocasiones este cuadro puede tener una presentación catastrófica, de elevada mortalidad, con presencia de microangiopatia y compromiso de tres o más órganos. OBJETIVO: Describir la presentación clínica y evolución de una paciente pediátrica con síndrome antifosfolípido catastrófico, con forma de inicio seronegativa, cuya respuesta a terapia agresiva fue favorable. CASO CLÍNICO: Paciente femenina adolescente, que debutó cuadro de una semana de evolución de dolor, incremento del volumen abdominal y edema en extremidades inferiores. Se diagnosticó lupus eritematoso generalizado y se descartó proceso neoplásico. Durante su evolución pre sentó diversos eventos trómboticos, al inicio con presencia de anticuerpos antifosfolípido negativos, que posteriormente fueron positivos. Cursó con deterioro multisistémico secundario a trombosis multiorgánica, requirió soporte hemodinámico y ventilatorio. Se manejó con heparina de bajo peso molecular, plasmaféresis, anticoagulación, inmunosupresión y bolos de rituximab con excelente respuesta. CONCLUSIONES: Consideramos este caso de interés por tratarse de un diagnóstico infrecuente en la edad pediátrica y cuya sospecha, manejo intensivo y oportuno, puede cambiar el pronóstico sombrío y de alta mortalidad de estos pacientes.

INTRODUCTION: The antiphospholipid syndrome is an acquired autoimmune thrombophilia, characterized by arterial and/or venous thrombosis. Rarely, this condition can have a catastrophic presenta tion, with high mortality, and presence of microangiopathy and involvement of three or more organs. OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical presentation and evolution of a pediatric patient with catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome, with a seronegative onset form, whose response to aggressive therapy was favorable. CLINICAL CASE: Adolescent female, with a one-week history of pain, increased abdo minal volume and edema in the lower extremities. Generalized lupus erythematosus was diagnosed and the neoplastic process was ruled out. During its evolution, she presented various thrombotic events, initially with the presence of negative antiphospholipid antibodies, which were subsequently positive. The patient presented multisystemic failure secondary to multiorgan thrombosis, required hemodynamic and ventilatory support. It was managed with low molecular weight heparin, plas mapheresis, anticoagulation, immunosuppression and boluses of rituximab with excellent response. CONCLUSIONS: We consider this case interesting because it is an infrequent diagnosis in the pediatric age and whose suspicion, timely and aggressive intensive management, can change the poor progno sis and high mortality of these patients.

Anti-phospholipid syndrome in seven leprosy patients with thrombotic events on corticosteroid and/or thalidomide regimen: insights on genetic and laboratory profiles

Abstract INTRODUCTION Corticosteroids and/or thalidomides have been associated with thromboembolism events (TBE) in multibacillary (MB) leprosy. This report aimed to determine genetic and laboratory profiles associated with leprosy and TBE. METHODS Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL), coagulation-related exams, prothrombin and Leiden's factor V mutations, and ß2-glycoprotein-I (ß2GPI) Val247Leu polymorphism were assessed. RESULTS Six out of seven patients with leprosy were treated with prednisone and/or thalidomide during TBE and presented at least one positive aPL. All patients presented ß2GPI polymorphism, and one showed prothrombin mutation. CONCLUSIONS Corticosteroid or thalidomide adverse effects and aPL and ß2GPI polymorphisms may cause TBE in patients with MB leprosy.

Prevalencia de anticuerpos antifosfolípidos y anti anexina V en pacientes dializados de Bahía Blanca / Prevalence of antiphospholipid antibodies and anti anexin V in dialysis patients in Bahía Blanca / Prevalência de anticorpos antifosfolípides e anti anexina V em pacientes em diálise em Bahía Blanca

En los pacientes hemodializados son frecuentes las oclusiones de los accesos vasculares por una diálisis insuficiente y en un bajo porcentaje por un estado hipercoagulable desencadenado por anticuerpos dirigidos contra determinados componentes fosfolipídicos. El objetivo del trabajo fue evaluar la prevalencia de estos autoanticuerpos (APL) y del marcador anti anexina V en 79 pacientes en plan de hemodiálisis y en 66 donantes de sangre de la ciudad de Bahía Blanca. Para la detección del anticoagulante lúpico (AL) se realizaron estudios coagulométricos básicos, pruebas de detección, corrección con mezclas con plasma normal y ensayos confirmatorios con lisados plaquetarios. En paralelo, se efectuaron ensayos inmunológicos séricos: anticuerpos anticardiolipinas (ACL) IgM/IgG, anticuerpos anti β2 Glicoproteina I (aβ2GPI) IgM/IgG y anticuerpos anti anexina V IgM/IgG. Para estimar las diferencias se realizó el test de Fisher con una significancia del 5%. No se detectó anticoagulante AL en ninguna de las dos poblaciones. La prevalencia de los ACL IgG fue mayor en los dializados que en los dadores (31,6% vs. 12,1%, p: 0,0056); la correspondiente a las antiβ2 GPI fue similar (2,5% en dializados vs. 7,6% en dadores, p: 0,2458), mientras que la correspondiente a la anti anexina V IgG resultó mayor en dializados (16,4% vs. 4,5%, p: 0,0316). Los resultados obtenidos sugieren la importancia de monitorear la presencia de anticuerpos antifosfolípidos y anti anexina V previo al ingreso de un plan de diálisis para prevenir eventos trombóticos.

In hemodialysis patients, occlusions of vascular access are frequent due to insufficient dialysis and in a low percentage, due to a hypercoagulable state triggered by antibodies directed against certain phospholipid components. The objective of this work was to evaluate the prevalence of these autoantibodies (APL) and the anti-annexin V marker in 79 patients undergoing hemodialysis and in 66 blood donors in the city of Bahía Blanca. For the detection of lupus anticoagulant (LA), basic coagulometric studies, detection tests, correction with mixtures with normal plasma and confirmatory tests with platelet lysates were performed. In parallel, serum immunological assays were performed: IgM/IgG anticardiolipin antibodies (ACL), IgM/IgG anti-β2 glycoprotein I (aβ2GPI) antibodies and IgM/IgG anti-annexin V antibodies. To estimate the differences, a Fisher test with a significance of 5% was performed. Lupus anticoagulant (LA) was not detected in any of the two populations. The prevalence of IgG ACL was higher in the dialysate than in the donors (31.6% vs. 12.1%, p: 0.0056); the corresponding antiβ2GPI was similar (2.5% dialysate vs. 7.6% donors, p: 0.2458), while the corresponding anti-Annexin V IgG was higher in dialysate (16.4% vs. 4.5%, p: 0.0316). The results obtained suggest the importance of monitoring the presence of antiphospholipid and anti-annexin V antibodies prior to entry to a dialysis plan to prevent thrombotic events.

Em pacientes hemodialisados são frequentes as oclusões dos acessos vasculares devido a uma diálise insuficiente e, um percentual baixo, a um estado de hipercoagulabilidade desencadeado por anticorpos dirigidos contra determinados componentes dos fosfolípidos. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a prevalência desses autoanticorpos (APL) e do marcador anti Anexina V em 79 pacientes em plano de hemodiálise e em 66 doadores de sangue da cidade de Bahía Blanca. Para a detecção do anticoagulante lúpico (AL) foram realizados estudos coagulométricos básicos, testes de detecção, correção com misturas com plasma normal e ensaios de confirmação com lisados de plaquetas. Em paralelo se realizaram ensaios imunológicos séricos: anticorpos anticardiolipinas (ACL) a IgM/IgG, anticorpos anti β 2 GlicoproteinaI (aβ 2GPI) IgM/IgG e anticorpos anti Anexina V IgM/IgG. Para estimar as diferenças foi realizado o teste de Fisher com uma significância de 5%. Não foi detectado anticoagulante AL em qualquer uma das duas populações. A prevalência de ACL IgG foi maior nos dialisados que nos doadores (31,6% vs. 12,1%, p: 0,0056); a correspondente às anti β 2GPI foi semelhante (2,5% em dialisados vs. 7,6% em doadores, p: 0,2458), enquanto que o correspondente à anti Anexina V IgG foi maior em dialisados (16,4% vs. 4.5 %, p: 0,0316). Os resultados obtidos sugerem a importância de monitorar a presença de anticorpos antifosfolipídios e anti Anexina V antes de entrar em um plano de diálise para prevenção de eventos trombóticos.

Takayasu arteritis and antiphospholipid antibody syndrome in an elderly woman

No abstract available.

Avaliação da agregação plaquetária em presença de anticorpos antifosfolípides: anti-β2GP1 e anticardiolipina / Evaluation of platelet aggregation in the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies: anti-β2GP1 and anticardiolipin

INTRODUÇÃO: A síndrome antifosfolípide (SAF) é uma condição autoimune que apresenta fenômenos trombóticos arteriais e venosos de repetição além de complicações obstétricas. Sua patogênese está associada à presença de anticorpos antifosfolípides e/ou anti-β2 glicoproteína I (β2GPI) que aparentemente modificam o efeito anticoagulante da β2GPI. A dimerização da β2GPI induzida por anticorpos parece estar relacionada à indução da agregação plaquetária contribuindo para o estado trombofílico na SAF. OBJETIVOS: O presente trabalho objetiva demonstrar a influencia dos anticorpos antifosfolípides em testes de agregação plaquetária com diferentes agonistas (ADP, colágeno e adrenalina). MÉTODOS: Foram analisados testes de agregação de plaquetas normais com diferentes agonistas (ADP, colágeno, adrenalina) na presença de soro contendo anticorpos antifosfolípides em diferentes concentrações. RESULTADOS: As análises obtidas mostraram uma inibição significativa (P < 0,05) nas curvas de agregação plaquetária induzidas por ADP e adrenalina quando comparadas ao controle. O paradoxo entre o estado protrombótico e a presença de autoanticorpos que in vitro apresentam atividade anticoagulante foi demonstrado na literatura, dificultando o entendimento patofisiológico da síndrome antifosfolípide. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados obtidos demonstraram que o soro rico em anticorpos anticardiolipina e anti-β2GPI, ambas da classe IgG, interferem em testes de curvas de agregação plaquetária.

INTRODUCTION: The antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune condition characterized by recurrent arterial and venous thrombosis, besides obstetric complications. The pathogenesis is associated with the presence of antiphospholipid and/or anti-b2-glicoprotein I (anti-b2GPI) antibodies that appear to change the anticoagulant activity of b2GPI. Antibody-induced dimerization of b2GPI seems to be related to the induction of platelet aggregation, contributing to the development of thrombosis in APS. OBJECTIVES: The objective of the present study is to demonstrate the influence of antiphospholipid antibodies in platelet aggregation tests with different agonists (ADP, collagen, and adrenaline). METHODS: We analyzed platelet aggregation tests with different agonists (ADP, collagen, adrenalin) when normal platelets were exposed to serum with different concentrations of antiphospholipid antibodies. RESULTS: Results demonstrated a significant inhibition in adrenalin- and ADP-induced platelet aggregation curves (P < 0.05) in all antibody concentrations tested when compared to the control. The paradox between the prothrombotic state and the presence of autoantibodies that show anticoagulant activity in vitro was demonstrated in the literature, making it difficult to understand the pathophysiologic mechanism of the antiphospholipid syndrome. CONCLUSION: Results showed that anticardiolipin and anti-b2GPI antibodies-rich serum, both of which belonging to the IgG class, can interfere with platelet aggregation curves.

Marcadores séricos de trombofilias hereditárias e anticorpos antifosfolípides em gestantes com antecedentes de pré-eclâmpsia grave / Serum markers of inherited thrombophilia and antiphospholipid antibodies in pregnant women with previous history of severe pre-eclampsia

OBJETIVO: Verificar a frequência e a associação de marcadores séricos para trombofilias hereditárias e adquiridas em gestantes com histórico de pré-eclâmpsia grave em gestação anterior. MÉTODOS: Estudo tipo caso-controle composto por 81 gestantes com histórico de pré-eclâmpsia grave em gestação anterior (grupo de estudo) e 32 gestantes sem antecedente de pré-eclâmpsia grave em gestação anterior (grupo controle). Foi rastreada a presença de anticorpos antifosfolípides e trombofilias hereditárias em ambos os grupos. Foi utilizado o teste χ² com correção de Yates para verificar as associações e calcular os riscos relativos. RESULTADOS: Verificou-se a presença de trombofilias em 60,0 por cento das pacientes com histórico de pré-eclâmpsia e em 6,0 por cento das pacientes do grupo controle. Encontrou-se significante associação entre pré-eclâmpsia grave em gestação anterior e presença de marcadores para trombofilias hereditárias/anticorpos antifosfolípides (p<0,05). Identificou-se risco relativo para desenvolvimento de pré-eclâmpsia grave de 1,57 (1,34

PURPOSE: To determine the frequency and the association of serum markers for inherited and acquired thrombophilias in pregnant women with a history of severe pre-eclampsia in previous pregnancies. METHODS: Case-control study consisting of 81 pregnant women with a history of severe pre-eclampsia in previous pregnancies (study group) and 32 women with no history of severe pre-eclampsia in previous pregnancies (control group). The presence of inherited thrombophilia and antiphospholipid antibodies was screened in both groups. We used the chi-square test with Yates correction to assess associations and calculate the relative risks. RESULTS: The presence of thrombophilia was detected in 60.0 percent of patients with a previous history of pre-eclampsia and in 6.0 percent of the control patients. A significant association was found between pre-eclampsia in a previous pregnancy and the presence of markers for hereditary thrombophilia/antiphospholipid antibodies (p<0.05). The relative risk to develop pre-eclampsia was found to be 1.57 (1.34

Hyperhomocysteinemia in HIV-infected individuals: correlation of a frequent prothrombotic factor with CD4+ Cell count

This study was aimed at providing an analysis of the correlation between CD4/CD8 counts and some coagulation factors in HIV-Positive Iranian patients. A case-control study on 58 HIV-infected patients and control group [58 healthy individuals]. Patients and controls were matched for sex and age. In this study, several blood parameters were measured in 58 HIV-infected patients and the controls. Laboratory data were then measured including hemoglobin, platelets, homocysteine, serum levels of IgM and IgG antiphospholipid antibodies [aPL], IgM and IgG anticardiolipin antibotdies [aCL], and CD4[+] and CD8[+] cell count. The HIV-infected patients, compared to healthy controls, showed a significant decline in platelets, CD4 count and CD8 count [p<0.0001], and an increase of homocysteine [p<0.0001] and IgG aPL levels [p<0.0001]. No statistical difference was found between patients with CD4 count 200 in the evaluated variables. The results showed that thrombophilic abnormality in the form of hyperhomocysteinemia is more frequent in HIV-infected patients and should be considered by clinicians in view of an early diagnosis of the hypercoagulability state to prevent thrombotic complications

Clinical Implications of Elevated Antiphospholipid Antibodies in Adult Patients with Primary Immune Thrombocytopenia

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) have been detected in various proportions of patients with primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), but the clinical significance of this is debatable. The present study aimed to determine the frequency and clinical implications of elevated aPL in adult patients with ITP. METHODS: We prospectively studied newly diagnosed adult patients with ITP who were enrolled between January 2003 and December 2008 at Chungnam National University Hospital. They were evaluated for the presence of lupus anticoagulant (LA) and anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL) at diagnosis and were followed for the development of thrombosis. RESULTS: Seventy consecutive patients with ITP (median age, 48 years; range, 18 to 79) were enrolled. Twenty patients (28.5%) were positive for aPL at the time of diagnosis: aCL alone in 15 (75%), aCL and LA in two (10%), and LA alone in three (15%). Patients who had platelet counts < 50,000/microL were administered oral prednisolone with or without intravenous immune globulin. No difference was found between the aPL-positive and -negative groups regarding gender, initial platelet count, and response to the therapy. After a median follow-up of 20 months (range, 2 to 68), two of 20 patients who were aPL-positive (10%) developed thrombosis, whereas no thrombotic event was found among those who were aPL-negative. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that aPL levels should be determined at the initial presentation of ITP and that patients found to be aPL-positive should receive closer follow-up for thrombotic events.

Prevalence and Clinical Associations of Lupus Anticoagulant, Anticardiolipin Antibodies, and Anti-beta2-glycoprotein I Antibodies in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus / 대한진단검사의학회지

BACKGROUND: The presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) is associated with the clinical features of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), which comprises venous and arterial thrombosis and pregnancy loss, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The prevalence of aPLs has been reported to be different in patient populations affected by either of these conditions. We performed a retrospective study to evaluate the prevalence and clinical associations of aPLs, including lupus anticoagulant (LAC), anticardiolipin (aCL), and anti-beta2-glycoprotein I antibodies (anti-beta2-GPI) in a cohort of Korean patients with SLE. METHODS: This study included samples from 88 SLE patients for whom aPL testing had been advised between June 2006 and July 2009 at the Dong-A University Hospital. Serum and plasma samples were tested for LAC, aCL (IgG, IgM), and anti-beta2-GPI (IgG, IgM) antibodies. Clinical data from patients were obtained from a review of medical records. RESULTS: LAC was the most common (34.1% of total patients, 30/88) antibody, followed by IgM aCL (31.8%, 28/88), IgG aCL (18.2%, 16/88), and IgM and IgG anti-beta2-GPI (both 5.7%, 5/88 each). Positivity for LAC was strongly associated with venous/arterial thrombosis (P=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: LAC was the most common antibody detected in Korean SLE patients and is shown to have a significant association with the presence of venous/arterial thrombosis. The measurement of LAC may be clinically useful in identifying patients with SLE who are at a high risk for venous/arterial thrombosis.

Antiphospholipid antibodies and multiple organ failure in critically ill cancer patients

OBJECTIVES: To describe the clinical outcomes and thrombotic events in a series of critically ill cancer patients positive for antiphospholipid (aPL) antibodies. DESIGN: Retrospective case series study. SETTING: Medical-surgical oncologic intensive care unit (ICU). PATIENTS AND PARTICIPANTS: Eighteen patients with SIRS/sepsis and multiple organ failure (MOF) and positive for aPL antibodies, included over a 10-month period. INTERVENTIONS: None MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: aPL antibodies and coagulation parameters were measured up to 48 hours after the occurrence of acrocyanosis or arterial/venous thrombotic events. When current criteria for the diagnosis of aPL syndrome were applied, 16 patients met the criteria for "probable" and two patients had a definite diagnosis of APL syndrome in its catastrophic form (CAPS). Acrocyanosis, arterial events and venous thrombosis were present in eighteen, nine and five patients, respectively. Sepsis, cancer and major surgery were the main precipitating factors. All patients developed MOF during the ICU stay, with a hospital mortality rate of 72 percent (13/18). Five patients were discharged from the hospital. There were three survivors at 90 days of follow-up. New measurements of lupus anticoagulant (LAC) antibodies were performed in these three survivors and one patient still tested positive for these antibodies. CONCLUSIONS: In this small series of patients, we observed a high frequency of auto-antibodies and micro- and macro-vascular thrombotic events in critically ill cancer patients. The coexistence of sepsis or SIRS and aPL antibodies was often associated with MOF and death. More studies are necessary to determine the pathophysiological significance of antiphospholipid antibodies in severely ill cancer patients.

C-reactive protein and asymptomatic pericardial effusion in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Cardiovascular disease has recently been acknowledged as a primary cause of morbidity and mortality in SLE. There are conflicting reports about CRP values in different spectrum of disease activity in SLE. Though CRP values are higher in active disease compared to inactive disease, its value may or may not correlate with disease activity. Elevated basal CRP has been associated with increased cardiovascular risk, while CRP dysregulation may be a feature of SLE. The aim of the present study was to assess the CRP level in SLE patients asymptomatic for any cardiac involvement especially pericardial effusion and find its relation with clinical and laboratory findings as well as the disease activity and damage indices. Correlation with antiphospholipid antibodies was also considered a point of interest. Thirty female SLE patients were recruited from the Rheumatology department and out patient clinic, Cairo University Hospitals. Patients were asymptomatic for any cardiac involvement. Full history taking, thorough examination, laboratory and relevant radiological investigations were performed for all the patients. Echocardiography was performed to detect pericardial effusion [PE]. Quantitative CRP level was assessed as well as the autoantibodies including anti cardiolipin antibodies [IgG and IgM], anti Ro [SSA] and Anti La [SSB] were detected by ELISA. Disease activity and damage were assessed for all the patients using the SLEDAI and SLICC/ ACR DI. Fifteen age matched female healthy subjects were considered as a control group for the corresponding patients. The mean age of patients was 28.53 +/- 6.77 years, age at disease onset was 24.51 +/- 7.05 years and disease duration was 4.02 +/- 2.57 years. There were 7 patients [23.33%] with pericardial effusion as detected by echocardiography. There was no significant difference in the mean age and disease duration between those with and those with out PE, although there was a tendency to blood pressure elevation in those with PE. Three SLE patients had secondary antiphospholipid syndrome [SAPS]. None of the patients had myocardial infarctions. The mean CRP level in SLE patients with PE was significantly higher than in those with out [33.71 +/- 33.22 and 13.57 +/- 11.51 mg/L, respectively, p 0.017]. Pericardial effusion and serositis may be responsible for the marked elevation of the CRP level in this subset of SLE patients. Those without PE, although active, only had modest CRP elevation. A muted CRP response is seen in the majority of patients with active SLE; levels achieved are generally low. SLE subset with pericardial serositis show marked CRP response, perhaps reflecting the likelihood that SLE is not a single disease entity

Cefaléia no lupus eritematoso sistêmico: prevalência e condições associadas / Headache and systemic lupus erythematosus: prevalence and associated conditions

OBJETIVO: Comparar a prevalência de cefaléia entre a população com lupus e normal e verificar as condições associadas à sua presença. MÉTODO: Analisaram-se 49 pacientes com lupus eritematoso (LES) e 50 controles quanto a episódios de cefaléia (enxaqueca e tensional). Em pacientes com LES estudou-se: presença de Raynaud, telangiectasias, vasculites cutâneas, convulsões e de anticorpos antifosfolípideos. RESULTADOS: Dos lúpicos com LES, 42 tinham cefaléia (85,7 por cento), sendo 29 casos de enxaqueca e 13 tensional; no grupo controle, 28 tinham cefaléia (57,14 por cento), sendo 18 com enxaqueca e 10 tensionais (p=0,0026 para enxaqueca). Nos pacientes com LES não se encontrou associação entre enxaqueca e Raynaud (p=0,34), telangiectasias (p=0,77), vasculites cutâneas (p=0,63) e convulsões (p=0,13). Também não se encontrou associação entre enxaqueca e anticorpos anticardiolipina Ig G (p=0,45), IgM (p=0,07) ou LAC (p=0,59). CONCLUSÃO: Enxaqueca é mais prevalente na população com L v ES. Este achado não está associado com Raynaud, telangiectasias, vasculites cutâneas, convulsões e anticorpos antifosfolípideos.

OBJECTIVE: To study the prevalence of headache in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and normal population as well as associated conditions. METHOD: Forty nine SLE patients and 50 controls were analyzed for presence of headaches (tensional and migraine). In the SLE group, we studied the occurrence of Raynaud, teleangiectasis, cutaneous vasculitis, convulsions and antiphospholipid antibodies. RESULTS: Among SLE patients, 42 had headaches (85.7 percent), 29 with migraine and 13 tensional; on the control group, 28 had headaches (57.1 percent), 18 migraine and 10 tension type with p=0.0026 for migraine. In SLE patients we did not find any association between migraine and Raynaud (p=0.34), teleangiectasis (p=0.77), cutaneous vasculitis (p=0.63), seizures (p=0.13), aCl IgG (p=0.45), IgM (=0.07) and LAC (p=0.59). CONCLUSION: Migraine is more prevalent in the SLE population. However, it has no relationship with Raynaud, teleangiectasis, seizures, cutaneous vasculitis and antiphospholipid antibodies.

Clinical, neurovascular and neuropathological features in sneddon's syndrome

Sneddon's syndrome (SS) is characterized by ischemic cerebrovascular episodes and livedo reticularis. It is more common in young women and can also be associated with valvulopathy, a history of spontaneous abortion, renal involvement and vascular dementia. We describe three cases of young women with this disease. The patients had repeated ischemic cerebral episodes, livedo reticularis and thrombocytopenia. CT and MRI showed strokes and cerebral atrophy. Autopsy in one of the patients revealed cerebral infarctions. Anticardiolipin antibodies were detected in two patients. Antiphospholipid antibodies may be found in some patients with ischemic cerebrovascular events and livedo reticularis. SS may thus be associated with antiphospholipid syndrome. We described three new cases of SS and discuss the pathophysiology of this disease.

A síndrome de Sneddon é caracterizada por episódios cerebrovasculares isquêmicos e livedo reticular, sendo mais comum em mulheres jovens, e pode também apresentar valvulopatia, história de aborto, envolvimento renal e demência vascular. Descrevemos três mulheres jovens com esta entidade. Os pacientes apresentavam história de ataques isquêmicos cerebrais, livedo reticular e trombocitopenia. Tomografia computadorizada e ressonância magnética de crânio mostraram infartos e atrofia cerebral nos pacientes estudados. A autópsia revelou em um dos pacientes presença de infartos cerebrais. Anticorpos anticardiolipina foram observados em duas pacientes. Há pacientes com eventos cerebrovasculares isquêmicos e livedo reticular nos quais anticorpos antifosfolípides são detectados. Então SS pode estar associada com a síndrome antifosfolípide, porém em alguns pacientes estes anticorpos não são detectados. Nós descrevemos três novos casos de SS e discutimos os mecanismos fisiopatológicos desta síndrome.

Recurrent intestinal perforations as a presentation of antiphospholipid syndrome

Antiphospholipid syndrome [APS] is a rare but important cause of thrombosis. It is suspected in patients who present with recurrent thrombosis or thrombosis in an unusual site. Gastrointestinal involvement is rare in this syndrome. Moreover, intestinal perforation in APS is very rare. We report a 19-year-old female patient who developed recurrent spontaneous intestinal perforations in which repeated laparotomies were undertaken and different diagnoses were entertained. The patient had received different treatments but without improvement. Antiphospholipid syndrome [APS] was suspected and diagnosed, and subsequently anticoagulant therapy was started. To our knowledge, this is a first report describing recurrent small intestinal perforation in a patient with APS

Comparison of anticardiolipin antibody and antiphospholipid antibody in women with recurrent abortions

Recurrent abortion is a critical problem in which many factors play a crucial role such as anticordiolipin antibody and antiphospholipid antibody. This study was conducted to evaluate the frequency of anticardiolipin antibody and antiphospholipid antibody in pregnancy failures in women with the history of recurrent pregnancy loss. In 154 women with the history of two or more recurrent pregnancy losses, serum anticardiolipin and serum antiphospholipid were measured using ELISA method. The positive IgG anticardiolipin and IgG antiphospholipid were detected in 12. 34% [19 patients] and 6.5% [10 patients] of patients respectively. Although 16 out of 19 patients with positive IgG anticardiolipin were negative for IgG antiphospholipid and 7 out of 10 patients with positive IgG antiphosphplipid were negative IgG anticardiolipin, but there was a significant correlation between IgG anticardiolipin and IgG antiphaspholipid [r = 0.222 p=0.000]. Our data concluded that anticardiolipin antibody is found to be more important than anti phospholipid antibody in recurrent abortion

Hiperhomocisteinemia como factor de riesgo trombótico en pacientes con Lupus Erimatoso Sistémico y Síndrome Antifosfolipido / Hyperhomocystinemia as a thrombotic risk factor in patients suffering from systemic lupus erithematosus and antiphospholipid syndrome

Objetivos: Determinar la prevalencia de hiperhomocisteinemia (hiperhcy) en pacientes con lupus eritematoso sistémico (LES) con y sin síndrome antifosfolípido (SAF); comparar los niveles de homocisteína (Hcy) entre pacientes con LES (con y sin SAF asociado) y un grupo de controles sanos y determinar la correlación entre hiperhcy y la presencia de anticuerpos antifosfolípidos. Pacientes y métodos: Se estudiaron 44 ptes con LES, portadores o no de SAF. Se los dividió en 2 grupos: 17 con LES y SAF y 27 con LES sin SAF y se compararon con 24 controles sanos. A todos se les realizó interrogatorio, examen físico y pruebas de laboratorio: anticuerpos anticardiolipinas (aCL), anticoagulante lúpico y Hcy. Se consideró hiperhcy a valores superiores a 9. A los ptes con hiperhcy se los trató con ácido fólico + B6 + B 12 durante un mes. Análisis estadístico: variables cualitativas: Chi cuadrado o Exacta de Fischer y cuantitativas: test T de Student o MannWhitney test. Resultados y conclusiones: Hubo 35 manifestaciones trombóticas en los 44 pacientes. Se encontró Hiperhcy en 27 ptes con LES (61,4%), de los cuales 12 tenían SAF. La diferencia entre los valores de Hcy de los pacientes con o sin SAF no fue significativa (p=0,42). Comparando las concentraciones de Hcy entre pacientes y controles, la diferencia fue muy significativa (p=0,002).También tuvo significación estadística la diferencia entre las concentraciones de Hcy de los pacientes con LES sin SAF vs. controles (p=0,015) y LES con SAF vs. controles (p=0,003). A 33 ptes se les dosó aCL: 20 (60,6%) fueron (+). De estos, 15 (75%) tenían hiperhcy. De los 27 pacientes con LES que tenían hiperhcy, sólo 18 cumplieron con el mes de tratamiento con a.fólico+B6+B12. 16 de 18 (88,8%) normalizaron o disminuyeron la Hcy.

Objectives: to detect the prevalence of hyperhcy in SLE patients with and without antiphospholipid syndrome; to compare the Hcy levels between those patients and healthy controls and to determine the correlation between hyperhcy and antiphospholipid antibodies. Patients and methods: we studied 44 SLE patients: 17 had antiphospholipid syndrome and 27 didn't have it, and we compared tbem to 24 healthy controls. All of them where checked clinically and with laboratory tests like anticardiolypin antibodies, lupus anticoagulant and Hcy. Hcy > 9 was considered abnormal. Patient who had hyperhcy were treated with folic acid+vitB6+vitBI2 a month along. Statistical analysis: qualitative variables: chi square or Fischer's; quantitative variables: Student's T test or Mann-Whitney's test. Results and conclusions: there were 35 trombotic manifestations in 44 patients. Hyperhcy was present in 27 SLE patients (61,4%), 12 of them had antiphospholipid syndrome. Hcy concentrations patients vs. controls was statisticaly different (p=0,002). There was also statistically different the hcy concentration from SLE patients with SAF vs controls (p=0,003) and without SAF vs controls (p= 0,015). From 33 SLE patients, 20 (33%) were aCL( +). 15(75%) of them had hiperhcy.