LUPUS ANTICOAGULANT AND THROMBOSIS - POSSIBLE ROLE OF INHIBITION OF INHIBITION OF PROSTACYCLIN FORMATION

Abstract

A lupus anticoagulant was discovered in 14 patients over a 1-yr period. Only 3 of them had systemic lupus erythematosus. Bleeding manifestations were only present in 1 patient with concomitant severe thrombocytopenia. Eight patients had a history of thrombosis; 5 of them presented repeated thrombotic episodes. Obstetrical complications (recurrent abortion, fetal death or intrauterine growth retardation) were observed in 6 patients. An inhibitory effect of plasma on the production of prostacyclin by vascular tissue was detected in 8 patients, 6 of whom had thrombosis. Inhibition of prostacyclin formation could play a major role in the pathogenesis of thrombosis and obstetrical problems in some patients with this type of anticoagulant, even in the absence of systemic lupus erythematosus.