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Primary antiphospholipid syndrome: functional outcome after 10 years
1Division of Rheumatology, Hospital for Special Surgery, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New York, USA. derkan@pol.net
The Journal of Rheumatology
|December 29, 2000
Summary
Primary antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) can lead to significant organ damage and functional impairment in a substantial number of patients over 10 years. Many patients experience lasting effects impacting daily life.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
- Neurology
Background:
- Primary antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by recurrent thrombosis and/or pregnancy morbidity.
- Long-term functional outcomes in primary APS are not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the 10-year functional outcome of patients with primary antiphospholipid syndrome (APS).
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 39 patients with primary APS, diagnosed before 1990, was identified.
- Patients with secondary APS or other connective tissue disorders were excluded.
- Medical records were reviewed to assess detailed histories and functional outcomes at 10-year follow-up.
Main Results:
- At 10 years, 38.4% of patients developed organ damage (e.g., hemiparesis, dementia, end-stage renal disease).
- 20.5% of patients with organ damage were functionally impaired, unable to perform everyday activities.
- Causes of functional impairment included cognitive dysfunction, cardiovascular disease, and aphasia.
Conclusions:
- Primary APS carries a poor functional prognosis for a significant minority of patients over a decade.
- One-third of primary APS patients experienced organ damage, and one-fifth were functionally impaired after 10 years.