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Flow-mediated arterial dilation in primary antiphospholipid syndrome
Franca Bilora1, Maria Teresa Sartori, Ezio Zanon
1Clinica Medica, Università di Padova, Clinica medica II, Azienda Ospedaliera di Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, Padua, Italy. franca.bilora@sanita.padova.it
Angiology
|April 5, 2008
Summary
Primary antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is linked to early artery wall damage, particularly in patients with anticardiolipin antibodies. This suggests a higher risk of accelerated atherosclerosis in these individuals.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Biology
- Immunology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
Background:
- Primary antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disorder.
- APS is associated with an increased risk of thrombosis and pregnancy complications.
- Early detection of vascular damage in APS is crucial for risk stratification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate precocious alterations in artery wall structure and function in patients with primary APS.
- To assess endothelial function using flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery.
- To evaluate arterial wall thickness using intima-media thickness (IMT) of the carotid arteries.
Main Methods:
- Compared FMD and IMT in 16 APS patients and 16 matched healthy controls.
- Controlled for age, gender, and other cardiovascular risk factors.
- Analyzed FMD and IMT in relation to anticardiolipin antibody status.
Main Results:
- Significantly lower FMD in APS patients compared to controls (6.3% vs 18.2%, P < .005).
- No significant difference in IMT between APS patients and controls.
- Reduced FMD was observed in APS patients with anticardiolipin antibodies IgM.
Conclusions:
- Primary APS is associated with precocious atherosclerosis, indicated by impaired endothelial function.
- The presence of anticardiolipin antibodies may predict more accelerated atherosclerosis in APS.
- Early vascular assessment in APS patients is warranted.
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