Two cases of autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura associated with antiphospholipid antibodies

We report 2 cases of autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura associated with antiphospholipid antibodies. In the first case the titer of antiphospholipid antibodies was neither related to disease activity nor influenced by immunosuppressive therapy. In the second, cerebral infarction occurred in spite of severe thrombocytopenia. Our results provide additional evidence that antiphospholipid antibodies are not involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura. Nevertheless, the frequency and clinical significance of this association would suggest that patients with autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura should be tested for antiphospholipid antibodies, particularly before pregnancy or surgical procedures.