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Circulating factor XI antibody and disseminated intravascular coagulation
Archives of Internal Medicine
|March 1, 1981
Summary
A rare circulating factor XI anticoagulant was found in a patient with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Despite low factor XI levels, DIC still developed, challenging typical coagulation understanding.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a complex condition involving abnormal blood clotting.
- Factor XI plays a role in coagulation pathways, but its precise role in DIC is not fully understood.
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can be associated with coagulation abnormalities.
Observation:
- A 33-year-old woman presented with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).
- The patient had a history of rheumatoid arthritis and a bacterial infection.
- A circulating factor XI anticoagulant was identified in the patient's blood.
Findings:
- The factor XI anticoagulant was suspected to be secondary to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
- Despite significantly low levels of factor XI, the patient developed DIC.
- This case highlights a potential dissociation between factor XI levels and DIC development.
Implications:
- This case challenges the conventional understanding of factor XI's role in preventing thrombosis.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the complex interplay between anticoagulants, autoimmune conditions, and DIC.
- Understanding such atypical presentations can refine diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for DIC.
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