Laboratory studies on pathophysiology of the catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome

Diagnosis and Management of Catastrophic Antiphospholipid Syndrome and the Potential Impact of the 2023 ACR/EULAR Antiphospholipid Syndrome Classification Criteria

Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (CAPS) is a rare and life-threatening condition characterized by the persistence of antiphospholipid antibodies and occurrence of multiple vascular occlusive events. CAPS currently remains a diagnostic challenge and requires urgent treatment. The diagnosis of CAPS is made difficult by classification criteria used as diagnostic criteria in clinical practice, knowledge derived from retrospective data and case reports, confounding clinical and biological features, and its rapid onset and mortality. The absence of prospective studies of CAPS limits the strength of evidence for guideline treatment protocols. This comprehensive review summarizes the current understanding of the disease, and discusses how the 2023 ACR/EULAR Antiphospholipid Syndrome Classification Criteria impact the definition and therapeutic management of CAPS, which is considered the most severe form of APS. The correct integration of 2023 ACR/EULAR APS classification criteria is poised to facilitate CAPS diagnosis, particularly in critical situations, offering a promising avenue for improved outcomes.

Rare yet catastrophic presentation of undiagnosed antiphospholipid syndrome

A previously well 31-year-old woman initially presented to the emergency department with pneumonia, however, was found to be hypertensive and have new-onset cardiomegaly. She was admitted for intravenous antibiotics and concurrently a series of investigations were conducted to investigate hypertension and cardiomegaly. During the course of admission, she developed acute kidney injury and was found to have acute chronic occlusion in the abdominal aorta. She was diagnosed with catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome. This is a rare form of antiphospholipid syndrome with a high mortality rate. Thus, it is important that clinicians are aware of this syndrome to facilitate early diagnosis and initiation of treatment.

Catastrophic Antiphospholipid Syndrome Associated With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Flare With Multiorgan Failure: A Chronicle of Cardiogenic Shock, Renal Failure, Vasculitis-Like Lesions, and Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation

Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (CAPS) is a rare disorder characterized by a storm of thrombosis leading to rapidly progressive multiple organ damage and thus needs to be picked earlier in the course of the disease. A higher index of suspicion is therefore mandated to initiate triple therapy to save end-organ damage. Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a known association of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and, when present with lupus, has the worst outcome and mainly afflicts younger cohorts. We report the case of a 33-year-old male with an extensive medical history, most notable of lupus with positive antiphospholipid antibodies complicated by nephropathy, and myocarditis presents with cardiogenic shock and progressive renal failure. The course was complicated by diffuse intra-abdominal thrombosis involving bowel, spleen, and kidneys; skin discoloration; and later disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Triple therapy was initiated, which resolved the crisis, although the patient succumbed to late sequelae of infection and died of megacolon perforation. Here, we discuss the association of CAPS with SLE and a plethora of presentations, which involved but were not limited to cardiogenic shock, worsening nephropathy, mimicked vasculitis, digital cyanosis, and DIC.

Primary Refractory Catastrophic Antiphospholipid Syndrome Masquerading as Buerger's Disease

Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (CAPS) is a lethal disease with up to 30% mortality rate. It can occur as a primary disease or secondary to an underlying autoimmune disease. Current treatment focuses on disease control with anticoagulation and steroids. Plasma exchange and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) have shown some benefit when added. Monoclonal drugs such as rituximab have shown some benefit in refractory cases, and eculizumab, a drug approved for use in atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome, has demonstrated disease control in a few case reports. We describe a unique case of primary refractory CAPS with an unusual presentation that was treated with five lines of therapy before disease control was established.

Plasma exchange in catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome

Plasma exchange is a well-established therapeutic procedure commonly used in many autoimmune disorders. The beneficial effects of plasma exchange are thought to occur through the elimination of pathogenic mediators found in plasma, including autoantibodies, complement components, and cytokines. The catastrophic antiphsopholipid syndrome (CAPS) is a life-threatening variant of the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) where several thrombosis take place in a short period of time in patients with circulating antiphospholipid antibodies. The triple therapy with anticoagulation, corticosteroids and plasma exchange or intravenous immunoglobulins has been proposed in CAPS. CAPS is a rare disease precluding the conduction of formal clinical trials. However, the observation of a better clinical course of patients who received this treatment supports their use. Plasma exchange has become an established therapeutic procedure in CAPS but there are no studies regarding the better approach and thus its use relies on the experience of the physicians in charge. The current article aims to review potential mechanisms of action of plasma exchange and the technical aspects of this procedure and will focus on its current role in CAPS, the experience published in treating this condition and the treatment protocol that we use in our institution.

Probable Catastrophic Antiphospholipid Syndrome with Intracerebral Hemorrhage Secondary to Epstein-Barr Viral Infection

BACKGROUND

Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (CAPS) is a rare, severe variant of antiphospholipid syndrome with a high mortality rate. We report a unique case of CAPS secondary to Epstein-Barr viral (EBV) infection complicated by pulmonary and intracerebral hemorrhage. A review of the CAPS literature relevant to intensive care practice is used to outline a rational approach to diagnosis and management.

METHODS

All data are from a single patient admitted to the Neurosciences Critical Care Unit in Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, in March 2016. Medline, Web of Science, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library were searched through September 2016 without restrictions for cases of CAPS, management of CAPS in the intensive care unit, and hemorrhage complicating CAPS. The patient gave express written consent to access and publish these data.

RESULTS

This is only the second reported case of probable CAPS secondary to EBV infection. Furthermore, pulmonary and intracerebral hemorrhage is rare manifestations of this multisystem prothrombotic state which provided unique challenges to the management.

CONCLUSIONS

While rare, CAPS should be considered in any patient presenting with rapidly progressive multiorgan failure, evidence of thrombotic microangiopathy, and antiphospholipid antibodies. A high index of suspicion is required as early, aggressive, multimodal treatment with anticoagulation, and immunosuppression improves outcomes.

The complex treatment including rituximab in the Management of Catastrophic Antiphospholid Syndrome with renal involvement

Background

Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (CAPS) is a rare, life-threatening form of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) involving many organs and leading to their insufficiency. The pathogenesis of CAPS is associated with the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). Typical therapy includes anticoagulation, glucocorticoids, therapeutic plasma exchanges and/or intravenous immunoglobulin. Despite this aggressive treatment, the mortality rate of 37% is still high. Novel therapeutic agents are required. Rituximab (RTX) is the most studied drug in APS also used in CAPS. Because of the rarity of CAPS occurrence it is impossible to plan a controlled, randomized study exploring its efficacy in CAPS. Therefore, case reports of its usage can be a source of our knowledge in this matter.

Case presentation

A 35-year-old woman who displayed dyspnoea and peripheral edema was admitted to the Nephrology Clinic because of rapidly progressive renal insufficiency. Her history included autoimmune hemolytic anemia anemia, two miscarriages and the diagnosis of APS with the treatment of heparin and acetylosalicylic acid during her next pregnancy. In spite of this treatment, she gave birth to a dead fetus in 22 Hbd. She then developed CAPS with involvement of the kidneys, brain, skin, peripheral veins and central retinal artery. Lupus anticoagulant and β₂₋glicoprotein-I antibodies were positive. Immediately upon admission to the nephrology clinic, she received anticoagulation and corticosteroids along with therapeutic plasma exchanges. As a supportive treatment hemodialysis sessions were necessary. Under this treatment the amelioration of the general state was observed but renal failure persisted, therefore intravenous immunoglobulin was added. Afterwards, the kidney function recovered and the renal replacement therapy could be stopped. After this therapy, aPL became negative. Four weeks later lupus anticoagulant began to increase. Taking into account the risk factors of the relapse and the life-threatening course of the disease, rituximab was introduced. After administration of 2 g of RTX in three separate doses, we observed no new thrombotic events, the further amelioration of renal function and the negative profile of aPL.

Conclusions

CAPS is a life-threatening condition and a prompt, complex treatment is necessary. Rituximab together with conventional therapy can be an additional option in case of the risk of relapse.

Treatment of catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (CAPS) is a severe manifestation of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). Although affecting only 1% of patients with APS, the condition is frequently fatal if not recognized and treated early. Here, we will review the current approach to diagnosis and treatment of CAPS.

RECENT FINDINGS

Data from the international 'CAPS registry', spearheaded by the European Forum on Antiphospholipid Antibodies, have improved our understanding of at-risk patients, typical clinical features, and precipitating diagnoses. Current guidelines also continue to support the role of anticoagulants and glucocorticoids as foundation therapy in all patients. Finally, new basic science and case series suggest that novel therapies, such as rituximab and eculizumab, warrant further study.

SUMMARY

Attention to associated diagnoses, such as infection and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is critical at the time of diagnosis. All patients should be treated with anticoagulants, corticosteroids, and possibly plasma exchange. In patients with SLE, cyclophosphamide should be considered. In refractory or relapsing cases, new therapies, such as rituximab and possibly eculizumab, may be options, but need further study.

Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome: task force report summary

The Task Force on Catastrophic Antiphospholipid Syndrome (CAPS) aimed to assess the current knowledge on pathogenesis, clinical and laboratory features, diagnosis and classification, precipitating factors and treatment of CAPS. This article summarizes the main aspects of its final report.

14th International Congress on Antiphospholipid Antibodies Task Force Report on Catastrophic Antiphospholipid Syndrome

The 'Task Force on Catastrophic Antiphospholipid Syndrome (CAPS)' was developed on the occasion of the 14th International Congress on Antiphospholipid Antibodies. The objectives of this Task Force were to assess the current knowledge on pathogenesis, clinical and laboratory features, diagnosis and classification, precipitating factors and treatment of this condition in order to address recommendations for future research. This article summarizes the studies analyzed by the Task Force, its recommendations and the future research agenda.

The hyperferritinemic syndrome: macrophage activation syndrome, Still's disease, septic shock and catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome

BACKGROUND

Over the last few years, accumulating data have implicated a role for ferritin as a signaling molecule and direct mediator of the immune system. Hyperferritinemia is associated with a multitude of clinical conditions and with worse prognosis in critically ill patients.

DISCUSSION

There are four uncommon medical conditions characterized by high levels of ferritin, namely the macrophage activation syndrome (MAS), adult onset Still's disease (AOSD), catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (cAPS) and septic shock, that share a similar clinical and laboratory features, and also respond to similar treatments, suggesting a common pathogenic mechanism. Ferritin is known to be a pro-inflammatory mediator inducing expression of pro-inflammatory molecules, yet it has opposing actions as a pro-inflammatory and as an immunosuppressant. We propose that the exceptionally high ferritin levels observed in these uncommon clinical conditions are not just the product of the inflammation but rather may contribute to the development of a cytokine storm.

SUMMARY

Here we review and compare four clinical conditions and the role of ferritin as an immunomodulator. We would like to propose including these four conditions under a common syndrome entity termed "Hyperferritinemic Syndrome".

Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome presented with abdominal, pulmonary, and bone marrow complications

We are presenting a case of catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome in an adult female manifesting with abdominal thrombosis, pancytopenia, and alveolar hemorrhage. Alveolar hemorrhage is infrequently reported as it is difficult to diagnose, but it is considered as a life-threatening condition. The diagnosis should be made promptly based on clinical symptoms coupled with radiological features. Once this diagnosis is suspected, treatment with corticosteroids and anticoagulation must be initiated as soon as possible in order to reduce severe morbidity and high mortality.

The physiopathology of the catastrophic antiphospholipid (Asherson's) syndrome: compelling evidence

Catastrophic antiphospholipid (Asherson's) syndrome (cAPS) was described in the past as a severe variant of the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). Currently growing evidence suggests it is a unique condition. This statement is based on several clinical and physiopathological features that although not well understood define cAPS by itself. The remarkable features of cAPS are the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLAs) and microthromboses. Additional physiopathological features are the presence of anemia and thrombocytopenia, which are also often described in similar autoimmune conditions. A strong association with concomitant infection is thought to act as the main trigger of microthromboses in cAPS. Several theories have been proposed to explain these physiopathological features. Some of them suggest the possibility of molecular mimicry between components of infectious microorganisms and natural anticoagulants, which might be involved in the production of cross-reacting aPLAs in cAPS. Some genetic risk factors have also been suggested to be implicated in the onset of cAPS, however they have not been defined yet. Herein, we review the remarkable physiopathological features commonly described in cAPS hitherto. We concluded that although they are not completely understood, it is possible to differentiate them from similar conditions. Nevertheless further studies on these physiopathological mechanisms of the disease are needed.

Proteomic analysis of the saliva: a clue for understanding primary from secondary Sjögren's syndrome?

The clinical entity of secondary Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is controversial and the relationship with primary SS and other systemic autoimmune diseases is still far from being completely understood. In the last few years, proteomic approaches have been applied with a growing interest in the search for diagnostic biomarkers for many rheumatic diseases and it is possible that, in the near future, proteomic analysis of human saliva could help in distinguishing also primary from secondary SS. This review summarizes the state of the art of proteomic analysis of human saliva in the diagnosis of connective diseases focusing its advantages, limits and future perspectives.