Related Experiment Videos
Thromboembolism in paediatric lupus patients
D M Levy1, M P Massicotte, E Harvey
1Department of Pediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
Lupus
|November 5, 2003
Summary
Pediatric patients with lupus anticoagulant (LAC)-positive systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) face a high risk of thromboembolic events (TE). Lifelong anticoagulation is recommended after an initial TE to reduce recurrent events and associated morbidity.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Pediatric Hematology
- Thrombosis Research
Background:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in children is a chronic autoimmune disease.
- Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL), particularly lupus anticoagulants (LAC), are associated with increased thrombotic risk.
- Thromboembolic events (TE) are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in pediatric SLE patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of TE in pediatric SLE patients with LAC.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of anticoagulation in preventing recurrent TE and reducing morbidity.
- To inform clinical management strategies for this high-risk population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 149 pediatric SLE patients treated over a 10-year period.
- Identification of LAC-positive patients and analysis of TE incidence, type, and timing.
- Assessment of anticoagulation strategies and outcomes, including recurrent TE and long-term management.
Main Results:
- 16% of pediatric SLE patients were LAC-positive (24/149).
- 54% of LAC-positive patients experienced TE (13/24), with events including cerebral venous thrombosis, arterial stroke, and deep venous thrombosis.
- Recurrent TE occurred in 31% of affected patients, with some events happening despite anticoagulation.
Conclusions:
- Thromboembolic events are highly prevalent in pediatric SLE patients with LAC.
- Lifelong anticoagulation should be strongly considered following an initial TE in this population.
- Effective management strategies are crucial to mitigate the risk of recurrent TE and improve outcomes.