PREDISPOSING FACTORS TO THROMBOSIS IN SYSTEMIC LUPUS-ERYTHEMATOSUS - POSSIBLE RELATION TO ENDOTHELIAL CELL-DAMAGE

Abstract

Patients (28) with SLE [systemic lupus erythematosus], 5 of whom had had thrombotic episodes. Platelet function, coagulation and fibrinolytic studies were performed to determine whether any of these factors may predispose to thrombosis in SLE. An inhibitor of blood coagulation was detected in 12 patients, and von Willebrand''s syndrome was observed in 2 others. Thromboembolic phenomena were correlated with the increase in VII R:WF [von Willebrand factor activity] and the absence of plasminogen activator release after venous occlusion. Both proteins are synthesized by the endothelial cell, and the abnormalities observed are possibly related to damage of the vascular endothelium by immune complexes observed in SLE.