Coagulation abnormalities in systemic lupus erythematosus.

ABSTRACT

Coagulation profile was studied in 55 patients of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Abnormal kaolin clotting time (KCT) was observed in fewer patients (12.9%) as compared to abnormal Russel's viper venom time (RVVT, 20.4%) or activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT, 32.7%). Prolonged prothrombin time (PT), observed in 7.3 per cent patients was not found to be a sensitive test for lupus anticoagulant (LAC). The correction of RVVT and KCT on addition of inosithin suggested a deficiency of platelet lipid factor in these patients. The initial value of uncorrected KCT in patient's plasma did not correlate with the amount of inosithin required for neutralisation. Occurrence of thromboembolic events was significantly associated with prolonged KCT. No other clinical feature showed significant association with any coagulation abnormality.