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Ruffatti A, Hoxha A, Favaro M, Tonello M, Colpo A, Cucchini U, Banzato A, Pengo V. Additional Treatments for High-Risk Obstetric Antiphospholipid Syndrome: a Comprehensive Review. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol 2018; 53:28-39. [PMID: 27342460 DOI: 10.1007/s12016-016-8571-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Most investigators currently advocate prophylactic-dose heparin plus low-dose aspirin as the preferred treatment of otherwise healthy women with obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome, whilst women with a history of vascular thrombosis alone or associated with pregnancy morbidity are usually treated with therapeutic heparin doses in association with low-dose aspirin in an attempt to prevent both thrombosis and pregnancy morbidity. However, the protocols outlined above fail in about 20 % of pregnant women with antiphospholipid syndrome. Identifying risk factors associated with pregnancy failure when conventional therapies are utilized is an important step in establishing guidelines to manage these high-risk patients. Some clinical and laboratory risk factors have been found to be related to maternal-foetal complications in pregnant women on conventional therapy. However, the most efficacious treatments to administer to high-risk antiphospholipid syndrome women in addition to conventional therapy in order to avoid pregnancy complications are as yet unestablished. This is a comprehensive review on this topic and an invitation to participate in a multicentre study in order to identify the best additional treatments to be used in this subset of antiphospholipid syndrome patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia Ruffatti
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
- Reumatologia, Policlinico Universitario, Via Giustiniani, 2-35128, Padova, Italy.
| | - Ariela Hoxha
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Maria Favaro
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Marta Tonello
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Anna Colpo
- Blood Transfusion Unit, University-Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Umberto Cucchini
- Cardiology Unit, Department of Cardio-Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Alessandra Banzato
- Cardiology Unit, Department of Cardio-Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Vittorio Pengo
- Cardiology Unit, Department of Cardio-Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
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Chighizola CB, Andreoli L, Gerosa M, Tincani A, Ruffatti A, Meroni PL. The treatment of anti-phospholipid syndrome: A comprehensive clinical approach. J Autoimmun 2018; 90:1-27. [PMID: 29449131 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2018.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Anti-phospholipid syndrome (APS) is an acquired pro-thrombotic autoimmune disease that predisposes to thrombotic events and/or obstetric complications, in the persistent presence of anti-phospholipid antibodies (aPL). Life long moderate-intensity anticoagulation is the option of choice for aPL-positive patients with a previous thrombosis; critical issues concern the management of those with a history of arterial event due to the high rate of recurrence. Alternatives comprise anti-platelet agents and high-intensity anticoagulation. Low dose aspirin (LDASA) and low molecular weight heparin provide the mainstay of the treatment of obstetric APS, allowing a birth rate in 70% of cases. The management of refractory APS, thrombotic as well as obstetric, is highly debated, but an increasing burden of evidence points towards the beneficial effects of multiple treatments. Similarly, a management envisaging multiple drugs (anticoagulation, steroids, plasma exchange and/or intravenous immunoglobulins) is the most effective approach in catastrophic APS. Asymptomatic aPL carriers are at higher risk of thrombotic and obstetric complications compared to the general population, thus potentially benefitting of a pharmacological intervention. LDASA and hydroxychloroquine can be considered as options, in particular in case of high risk aPL profile, concomitant cardiovascular risk factors or associated autoimmune disease. APS is apparently a simple condition, but its multifaceted nature requires a complex and tailored treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Beatrice Chighizola
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Via Festa del Perdono 7, 20122, Milan, Italy; Experimental Laboratory of Immunological and Rheumatologic Researches, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Via Zucchi 18, 20095 Cusano Milanino, Milan, Italy; Allergology, Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Piazzale Brescia 20, 20149, Milan, Italy.
| | - Laura Andreoli
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Spedali Civili of Brescia, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Piazzale Spedali Civili 1, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Maria Gerosa
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Via Festa del Perdono 7, 20122, Milan, Italy; Experimental Laboratory of Immunological and Rheumatologic Researches, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Via Zucchi 18, 20095 Cusano Milanino, Milan, Italy; Department of Rheumatology, ASST Istituto Gaetano Pini & CTO, Piazza Cardinal Ferrari, 1 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Angela Tincani
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Spedali Civili of Brescia, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Piazzale Spedali Civili 1, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Amelia Ruffatti
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padua, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128, Padua, Italy
| | - Pier Luigi Meroni
- Experimental Laboratory of Immunological and Rheumatologic Researches, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Via Zucchi 18, 20095 Cusano Milanino, Milan, Italy
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