Thrombosis in Patients with the Lupus Anticoagulant

Abstract

Patients (35) fulfilled laboratory criteria for the diagnosis of the lupus anticoagulant. Of these patients, 8 had evidence of clinically significant thrombosis while their plasma showed a prolonged partial thromboplastin time due to the anticoagulant. Of the patients with thrombosis, 4 had concurrent autoimmune disease and 3 other [psychiatric] patients were receiving phenothiazine medication. Moderate thrombocytopenia was noted in 4 patients with thrombosis. No patient with the lupus anticoagulant bled abnormally. Patients with the lupus anticoagulant may be at increased risk of thrombosis.