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Thrombosis associated with procainamide-induced lupus anticoagulant
Acta Haematologica
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Procainamide treatment can lead to lupus anticoagulants, increasing the risk of dangerous blood clots (thrombosis). Stopping procainamide helped these patients recover, suggesting a link between the drug, the anticoagulant, and thrombosis.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Hematology
- Immunology
Background:
- Procainamide is a medication used to treat heart rhythm disorders.
- Lupus anticoagulants are antibodies that can increase blood clotting risk.
Observation:
- Two patients on procainamide developed lupus anticoagulants.
- These patients experienced acute thromboembolic events, including deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and cerebrovascular accident.
Findings:
- Thromboembolic events were temporally associated with the development of procainamide-induced lupus anticoagulants.
- Coagulation parameters improved in both patients after discontinuing procainamide therapy.
Implications:
- This suggests a previously unrecognized predisposition to thrombosis in patients with procainamide-induced lupus anticoagulants.
- Clinicians should consider the risk of thrombosis when prescribing procainamide, especially in patients who develop lupus anticoagulants.