[Primary antiphospholipid syndrome in juvenile ischemic stroke]

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Hematology
• Immunology

Context:

• Juvenile ischemic stroke is a rare but serious condition.
• Primary antiphospholipid syndrome is an autoimmune disorder characterized by specific antibodies.
• The association between antiphospholipid antibodies and stroke in young individuals requires further elucidation.

Purpose:

• To report on three patients with juvenile ischemic stroke and primary antiphospholipid syndrome.
• To investigate the prevalence of antiphospholipid antibodies in juvenile ischemic stroke.
• To assess the role of antiphospholipid syndrome in the etiology of juvenile ischemic stroke.

Summary:

• Three patients with juvenile ischemic stroke and primary antiphospholipid syndrome were studied.
• Lupus anticoagulant and anticardiolipin antibodies were detected in two patients; one patient had anticardiolipin antibodies only.
• Coagulation proteins (antithrombin III, plasminogen, protein C, protein S) were normal in all patients.
• Antiphospholipid antibodies were associated with an increased risk of thrombosis.

Impact:

• Highlights the importance of screening for antiphospholipid antibodies in juvenile ischemic stroke of unknown cause.
• Suggests that antiphospholipid syndrome may be an underlying factor in some cases of juvenile ischemic stroke.
• Contributes to understanding the thrombotic risks associated with antiphospholipid antibodies in a pediatric population.