What do we know about the cardiac valve lesion in the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS)?

M-C Amigo1

  • 1ABC Medical Center - Rheumatology, Mexico marycarmenamigo@gmail.com.

Lupus
|September 18, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Heart valve disease (HVD) is a common manifestation of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). Current treatments are ineffective, and HVD should be considered a criterion for definite APS.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Rheumatology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Heart valve disease (HVD) is the most frequent cardiac complication in antiphospholipid syndrome (APS).
  • HVD in APS is progressive and unresponsive to current anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapies.
  • Valve replacement surgery for HVD in APS carries a very high risk.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the role of HVD as a manifestation of APS.
  • To determine if HVD should be included as a diagnostic criterion for APS.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of evidence-based data.
  • Analysis of pathophysiological rationale linking HVD and APS.

Main Results:

  • Evidence supports HVD as a manifestation of APS.
  • No current medical treatments effectively manage HVD in APS.
  • 4-6% of APS patients with HVD require high-risk valve replacement surgery.

Conclusions:

  • HVD is a significant manifestation of APS.
  • Medical treatment recommendations for APS-associated HVD are currently lacking.
  • HVD should be considered for inclusion as a criterion for definite APS.

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