study of anticardiolipin antibodies in patients with adult and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

ABSTRACT

The level of anticardiolipin antibodies [ACA] was determined in 40 patients with adult and juvenile onset rheumatoid arthritis [RA] using ELISA technique. Patients were examined for different manifestations of antiphospholipid [APS]. Beside the laboratory and immunological studies, Doppler echo-cardiographic study and Doppler study of the peripheral vessels were performed. 35% of the female patients had a history of recurrent abortions. Thrombotic episodes were not a frequent presentation. ACA were elevated on both groups. Patients with positive antinuclear antibodies [ANA] as well as patients with active disease showed higher levels of ACA. Platelet count did not change significantly, however, there was a significant increase in the mean platelet factor 4 [PF4] which correlated positively with the ACA levels. Doppler study of the peripheral vessels revealed significant decrease in the blood velocity. An abnormal waveform pattern was found in 20% of the patients. These changes together with the minor cardiac abnormalities detected by Doppler echocardiography did not correlate significantly with the ACA levels