Lupus Anticoagulant and Anticardiolipin Antibodies in Systemic Lupus erythematosus

Abstract

The lupus anticoagulant (LA) is an acquired autoantibody of the IgG or IgM type that acts on platelet factor III, inhibiting the generation of the prothrombin activator complex. It is prevalent in 5–10% of SLE cases and, in contradistinction to the name anticoagulant, it may be associated with thrombotic events, recurrent abortion or intrauterine death. Anti-cardiolipin antibody like LA, is an anti-phospholipid antibody and also causes recurrent thrombotic events. Mention has been made of a possible cross-reactivity between anti-phospholipid antibodies and anti-DNA antibodies. The optimal treatment for this problem is at present unknown.

Pathogenic Significance and Diagnostic Value of Lupus Autoantibodies

“…Moreover, thrombotic events in such numerous locations are not de tected in other clotting abnormalities such as protein C deficiency. Numerous thromboembolic events have been reported in APS including deep-vein thrombosis [159], ce rebral infarcts [159], pulmonary embolism, occlusion of limb arteries, renal artery and vein thrombosis, occlusion The APS is also associated with recurrent fetal loss. The incidence of recurrent abortions in patients with APS may be as high as 90% [145].…”