High prevalence of antiphospholipid antibodies in children with idiopathic cerebral ischemia

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A Thrombotic Stroke Model Based On Transient Cerebral Hypoxia-ischemia
06:01

A Thrombotic Stroke Model Based On Transient Cerebral Hypoxia-ischemia

Published on: August 18, 2015

L Angelini1, A Ravelli, R Caporali

  • 1Istituto Nazionale Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milano, Italy.

Pediatrics
|October 1, 1994
PubMed

Insights

Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) are highly prevalent in children experiencing unexplained cerebral ischemia. Testing for these antibodies is recommended due to their significant therapeutic implications.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Immunology
  • Vascular Medicine

Background:

  • Circulating antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) are linked to thromboembolic events.
  • Idiopathic cerebral ischemia in children requires further etiological investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs), specifically lupus anticoagulant (LA) and anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL), in children with idiopathic cerebral ischemia.
  • To assess the diagnostic utility of aPL testing in this pediatric population.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective case series design was employed in a pediatric neurology setting.
  • Thirteen children with confirmed cerebral ischemia (stroke, TIA, ocular ischemia) were evaluated.
  • aPL testing (LA and aCL) was conducted twice, within 3 days and 3-6 months post-event, with positivity defined by consistent moderate/high levels.

Main Results:

  • A high prevalence of aPLs was observed, with 76% (10 out of 13) of pediatric patients testing positive for LA or aCL.
  • No significant differences in clinical or radiological features were noted between aPL-positive and aPL-negative groups.
  • Nearly half (46%) of the patients had a history of recurrent ischemic events.

Conclusions:

  • The study reveals a markedly high prevalence of antiphospholipid antibodies in children suffering from idiopathic cerebral ischemia.
  • Given the substantial therapeutic implications associated with aPL positivity, routine testing in pediatric cases of cerebral ischemia is strongly advised.
Abstract

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