[Acquired coagulation inhibitors. 10 cases (author's transl)]

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Immunology
• Rheumatology

Context:

• A subset of patients presented with a circulating anticoagulant.
• Four patients had a diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus.
• The anticoagulant exhibited antiprothrombinase activity.

Purpose:

• To characterize a newly detected circulating anticoagulant.
• To investigate the clinical manifestations associated with the anticoagulant.
• To determine the nature and immunoglobulin class of the anticoagulant.

Summary:

• Ten patients were found to have a circulating anticoagulant with antiprothrombinase activity.
• Clinical symptoms included hemorrhages (in thrombopenic patients) and thrombosis.
• Coagulation tests like recalcification time and activated partial thromboplastin time were prolonged.
• Immunoglobulin G or M was isolated as the anticoagulant in five cases.

Impact:

• This study highlights a specific type of anticoagulant that can cause significant bleeding or thrombosis.
• Understanding the nature of this anticoagulant (IgG or IgM) is crucial for diagnosis and management.
• Further research may elucidate the specific mechanisms and triggers of this condition, particularly in autoimmune diseases.