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Antibody Profiling by Luciferase Immunoprecipitation Systems (LIPS)
Published on: October 8, 2009
Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome in pediatric patients
1Clinica Pediatrica dell'Università, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura e Carattere Scientifico S. Matteo, Pavia, Italy.
Insights
Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS) is linked to blood clots in children. Many pediatric thrombotic events, especially cerebral ischemia, are associated with these antibodies, suggesting unique risk factors and treatments compared to adults.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Hematology
- Immunology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS) is defined by recurrent thrombosis and circulating antiphospholipid antibodies.
- Pediatric thrombosis is a significant concern, with APS implicated in a substantial number of cases.
- Children with thrombotic events often present with antiphospholipid antibodies, and a majority with idiopathic cerebral ischemia meet APS diagnostic criteria.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and implications of antiphospholipid antibody syndrome in pediatric thrombosis.
- To highlight the distinct risk factors and potential therapeutic differences in pediatric versus adult APS.
Main Methods:
- Review of pediatric cases with thrombotic events and antiphospholipid antibodies.
- Analysis of diagnostic criteria for APS in children with idiopathic cerebral ischemia.
- Comparison of pediatric thrombosis risk factors with those in adult populations.
Main Results:
- Approximately one-third of children experiencing a thrombotic event have circulating antiphospholipid antibodies.
- Over two-thirds of children with unexplained cerebral ischemia meet APS diagnostic criteria.
- Common adult thrombosis risk factors appear to have minimal impact on pediatric patients.
Conclusions:
- Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome is a significant contributor to thrombosis in the pediatric population.
- The risk profile for thrombosis and recurrence in children may differ substantially from adults.
- Optimal anticoagulation strategies for pediatric APS likely require distinct approaches compared to adult management.
Abstract:
The antiphospholipid antibody syndrome is characterized by the association between recurrent arterial or venous thrombosis and the presence of circulating antiphospholipid antibodies. Antiphospholipid antibody-related thrombosis seems to constitute a significant proportion of childhood thromboses. About one third of children suffering a thrombotic event have circulating antiphospholipid antibodies, and more than two thirds of children with idiopathic cerebral ischemia meet the criteria for the diagnosis of antiphospholipid antibody syndrome. Because the other risk factors for thrombosis commonly found in adults have no impact on the pediatric patient, the risk for thrombosis and thrombotic recurrences and the optimal anticoagulation therapy may differ from adults.
