[Surgery and circulating antiprothrombinase-type anticoagulant in the Soulier-Boffa syndrome]

A case is reported of a young female patient with a circulating lupus anticoagulant. The illness, associated with several spontaneous abortions, is characterized as a "Soulier and Boffa syndrome". No severe bleeding occurred when she underwent several major operations. The clinical picture of lupus anticoagulant is discussed, as well as the perioperative management of such patients. The presence of a lupus anticoagulant, if not associated with other hemostatic defects, is not a contraindication to surgery. The risks and benefits of postoperative heparinization are recalled. Thrombin time seems to be the best coagulation test for adapting heparin doses.