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Wei L, Liping Z, Suya K. Expression of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 in HELLP syndrome. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2023; 23:778. [PMID: 37950229 PMCID: PMC10637003 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-06074-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the expression of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3(IGFBP-3) in HELLP syndrome and its possible role in the pathogenesis of this disease. METHODS 1) 87 subjects were enrolled, including 29 patients with HELLP syndrome, 29 patients with pre-eclampsia (PE), and 29 healthy gravidae as control. The levels of IGFBP-3, IGF-1, TGF-β1, and VEGF in maternal and umbilical blood of them were detected using ELISA. Correlation analysis was used to observe the correlation between IGFBP-3 and IGF-1/TGF-β1/VEGF in maternal and umbilical blood, as well as that between maternal serum IGFBP-3 and clinical diagnostic indicators of HELLP syndrome. 2) Human hepatic sinusoid endothelial cells (HLSEC) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were cultured with different concentrations of IGFBP-3. After 72 h of culture, cell apoptosis and the normal living cells rate were detected and compared. RESULTS 1) In both maternal and umbilical blood of HELLP group, levels of IGFBP-3 and TGF-β1 were higher than control and PE group, IGF-1was lower than control group, VEGF was lower than control and PE group. IGFBP-3 in maternal blood was correlated with IGF-1/TGF-β1/ VEGF, while IGFBP-3 in umbilical blood was linked to IGF-1/TGF-β1. In maternal blood, there was a negative correlation between PLT and IGFBP-3, and a positive correlation between ALT/AST/LDH and IGFBP-3. 2) After cultured with IGFBP-3, the total apoptosis rate of either HLSEC or HUVEC was considerably elevated, while the normal living rate was decreased. CONCLUSION The expression of IGFBP-3 is elevated in HELLP syndrome, which may subsequently promote cell apoptosis by affecting the expression and function of IGF-1, VEGF, and TGFβ1 in the IGF/PI3K/Akt, TGF-β1/Smad3, and VEGF/eNOS/NO pathways. IGFBP-3 aggravates inflammatory reactions of the vascular endothelium and liver under hypoxia, affects the normal function of cells, and plays a role in the pathogenesis of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Wei
- The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, No. 26, Daoqian Street, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhou Liping
- The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, No. 26, Daoqian Street, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kang Suya
- The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, No. 26, Daoqian Street, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.
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Zhang L, Wang Y, Xiao W, Shi Y, Fu W, Zhang X, Duan S. Evaluation of left ventricular function of pregnant women with autoimmune diseases using speckle tracking echocardiography. Int J Cardiovasc Imaging 2023; 39:1643-1655. [PMID: 37249654 PMCID: PMC10227406 DOI: 10.1007/s10554-023-02876-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Pregnancy can cause fluctuations in autoimmune diseases (AD) women, which may aggravate the cardiac damage. Maternal heart function is very important for maternal and fetal health. Therefore, early and accurate evaluation of the heart function of AD pregnant women is necessary. This study was aimed to evaluate the left ventricular (LV) function of AD pregnant women using two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2DSTE). A total of 96 subjects, including 26 non-pregnant AD patients (AD group), 33 AD pregnant women (AD-P group), and 37 healthy pregnant women (H-P group) were conducted. Baseline clinical and conventional echocardiography characteristics of all the subjects were collected. The 2DSTE was performed to acquire layer-specific strain parameters of LV. Compared with H-P group, AD-P group showed no significant differences in GLSmid and GLSepi. However, the GLSendo (24.10 [22.30 to 25.40] vs. 21.70 [19.05 to 25.15], P = 0.023) and ΔGLS (5.50 [4.80 to 6.00] vs. 4.90 [4.20 to 5.80], P = 0.017) were decreased, while the PSD (27 [23 to 32] vs. 32 [24 to 44], P = 0.014) was increased. At the segmental level, there was no significant difference in apex LSmid and LSepi between the two groups, while the AD-P group showed transmural dysfunction in basal and middle segments, and the LSendo in apex segments (32.84 [28.34 to 34.25] vs. 27.97 [21.87 to 33.61], P = 0.021) were significantly decreased. Compared with AD group, AD-P group showed no significant difference in ΔGLS, PSD, and GLS parameters of three layers. For the segmental level, there were no significant differences in the LSepi of the apex segment and the LS in three layers of the basal and middle segments between the two groups, while LSendo (32.69 [29.13 to 35.53] vs. 27.97 [21.87 to 33.60], P = 0.017) and LSmid (24.70 [22.24 to 27.78] vs. 21.32 [16.91 to 26.11], P = 0.023) in apex segments were significantly lower in AD-P group. The anti-SSA/Ro antibody were positive independently correlated with PSD. In conclusion, layer-specific strain parameters and PSD by 2DSTE provide an accurate and reproducible measurement of myocardial function. There are subclinical LV myocardial dysfunction in AD pregnant women. Besides, the positive of anti-SSA/Ro antibody maybe associated with LV myocardial dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Zhang
- Department of Ultrasound, The Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, 010050, China
| | - YaXi Wang
- Department of Ultrasound, The Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, 010050, China
| | - WuPing Xiao
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - YiLu Shi
- Department of Ultrasound, The Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, 010050, China
| | - WenYan Fu
- Department of Ultrasound, The Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, 010050, China
| | - XiaoShan Zhang
- Department of Ultrasound, The Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, 010050, China.
| | - ShaSha Duan
- Department of Ultrasound, The Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, 010050, China.
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Mayer-Pickel K, Nanda M, Gajic M, Cervar-Zivkovic M. Preeclampsia and the Antiphospholipid Syndrome. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2298. [PMID: 37626793 PMCID: PMC10452741 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11082298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is characterized by venous or arterial thrombosis and/or adverse pregnancy outcome in the presence of persistent laboratory evidence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs). Preeclampsia complicates about 10-17% of pregnancies with APS. However, only early onset preeclampsia (<34 weeks of gestation) belongs to the clinical criteria of APS. The similarities in the pathophysiology of early onset preeclampsia and APS emphasize an association of these two syndromes. Overall, both are the result of a defective trophoblast invasion and decidual transformation at early gestation. Women with APS are at increased risk for prematurity; the reasons are mostly iatrogenic due to placental dysfunction, such as preeclampsia or FGR. Interestingly, women with APS have also an increased risk for preterm delivery, even in the absence of FGR and preeclampsia, and therefore it is not indicated but spontaneous. The basic treatment of APS in pregnancy is low-dose aspirin and low-molecular-weight heparin. Nevertheless, up to 20-30% of women develop complications at early and late gestation, despite basic treatment. Several additional treatment options have been proposed, with hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) being one of the most efficient. Additionally, nutritional interventions, such as intake of vitamin D, have shown promising beneficial effects. Curcumin, due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, might be considered as an additional intervention as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karoline Mayer-Pickel
- Department of Obstetrics, Medical University Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (M.N.); (M.G.); (M.C.-Z.)
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El Hasbani G, Saliba AN, Uthman I, Taher AT. Hematological manifestations of antiphospholipid syndrome: Going beyond thrombosis. Blood Rev 2023; 58:101015. [PMID: 36175215 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2022.101015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Thrombotic complications are a hallmark of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). These vascular - arterial, venous, and/or small vessel - complications are well described and known to hematologists and healthcare providers caring for patients with this disease. In this review, we shed light on other hematological manifestations of the disease, including bleeding, thrombocytopenia, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, and thrombotic microangiopathy syndromes. While these manifestations are not bona fide clinical criteria for the diagnosis of APS, they frequently interact and contribute to the complexity of clinical management of APS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georges El Hasbani
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hartford Healthcare, St. Vincent's Medical Center, Bridgeport, CT 06606, USA
| | - Antoine N Saliba
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street Southwest, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Imad Uthman
- Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ali T Taher
- Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon..
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Peng X, Tan X, Xing A. An advanced understanding of the heterogeneous clinical features of "non-criteria" obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome: Two case reports and a literature review. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1122127. [PMID: 36865564 PMCID: PMC9971720 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1122127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an acquired autoimmune disorder characterized by recurrent venous and/or arterial thrombosis and/or pregnancy complications, in the presence of elevated antiphospholipid (aPL) antibodies. APS in pregnant women is referred to as "obstetrical" APS (OAPS). The diagnosis of definite OAPS requires the presence of one or more typical clinical criteria and persistent aPL antibodies at least 12 weeks apart. However, the classification criteria for OAPS have generated wide discussion, with a growing impression that certain patients not fully meeting these criteria might be inappropriately excluded from the classification, which is known as "non-criteria" OAPS. We present here two unique cases of potentially lethal "non-criteria" OAPS, complicating severe preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction (FGR), liver rupture, preterm birth, refractory recurrent miscarriages, or even stillbirth. We further share our diagnostic search and analysis, treatment adjustment, and prognosis for this unusual antenatal event. We will also present a short review of an advanced understanding of the pathogenetic mechanisms of this disease, heterogeneous clinical features, and potential significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Peng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
| | - Xi Tan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
| | - Aiyun Xing
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China,*Correspondence: Aiyun Xing,
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Hubben A, McCrae KR. Emerging Therapies in Antiphospholipid Syndrome. Transfus Med Rev 2022; 36:195-203. [PMID: 36272841 PMCID: PMC10162403 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmrv.2022.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is the most common cause of acquired immune-mediated thrombophilia. This syndrome is broadly defined by the presence of arterial or venous thrombosis, or pregnancy morbidity, in the presence of high levels of antiphospholipid antibodies. Despite recognition of this disorder more than 50 years ago, a fundamental unifying pathogenesis has not been determined. Due to this, mechanism-based therapies for APS are not available, and current management following thrombotic events suggests anticoagulation of indeterminate duration, or for obstetric complications, heparin/low molecular weight heparin and aspirin. However, APS is an autoimmune disorder, and several approaches focused on modulating the immune response or its effectors have been employed. Those which have been most extensively studied include hydroxychloroquine, rituximab and eculizumab, an inhibitor of complement C5. In this report, we review in depth, and critique, key clinical studies of these agents. Since all of these studies are small, our conclusions are qualified. However, it appears that hydroxychloroquine may enhance the anticoagulant efficacy of vitamin K antagonists in APS patients, and that rituximab may ameliorate some of the "non-criteria" manifestations of APS. The catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (CAPS) is associated with diffuse thrombosis, multi-organ dysfunction, and ∼30% mortality. A high incidence of complement regulatory gene mutations, and compelling data concerning the efficacy of eculizumab in CAPS, suggests an important role for complement in this disorder. However, additional work is needed to clarify the role of complement in non-catastrophic APS, though emerging data suggests that complement inhibition may be effective in preventing thrombosis in these patients as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Hubben
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Taussig Cancer Institute, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Keith R McCrae
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Taussig Cancer Institute, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA; Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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Zhang J, Li C, Han X, Chen Z, Adhikari BK, Wang Y, Wang Y, Sun J. The digestive system involvement of antiphospholipid syndrome: pathophysiology, clinical characteristics, and treatment strategies. Ann Med 2021; 53:1328-1339. [PMID: 34409894 PMCID: PMC8381908 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2021.1962964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disease mainly characterised by vascular thrombosis and pregnancy morbidity. APS has broad spectrum of clinical manifestations. The digestive system involvement of antiphospholipid syndrome is a critical but under-recognised condition. Digestive system involvement may be the result of direct (autoimmune-mediated) or indirect (thrombotic) mechanisms. Liver is the most commonly involved organ, followed by intestines, oesophagus, stomach, pancreas and spleen. This review describes possible digestive system manifestations in APS patients, and illustrates the epidemiology and possible pathophysiology of APS. The role of different treatment strategies in the management of digestive system manifestations of APS were also discussed.Key messagesAntiphospholipid syndrome is a multi-organ, multi-system disease and its clinical manifestation spectrum is gradually expanding. Since the first diagnosis of APS, the clinical manifestations of digestive system have been reported successively. This narrative review describes the major digestive system manifestations of APS and illustrates the epidemiology, pathophysiology and the role of therapeutic strategies of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Zhang
- Department of Cardiovascular Center, Jilin University First Hospital, Changchun, China
| | - Cheng Li
- Department of Cardiovascular Center, Jilin University First Hospital, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaorong Han
- Department of Cardiovascular Center, Jilin University First Hospital, Changchun, China
| | - Zhongbo Chen
- Department of Cardiovascular Center, Jilin University First Hospital, Changchun, China
| | - Binay Kumar Adhikari
- Department of Medicine, Nepal Armed Police Force Command and Staff hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Yinghui Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Center, Jilin University First Hospital, Changchun, China
| | - Yonggang Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Center, Jilin University First Hospital, Changchun, China
| | - Jian Sun
- Department of Cardiovascular Center, Jilin University First Hospital, Changchun, China
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Is the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies a poor prognostic factor for patients with hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count syndrome? Am J Obstet Gynecol 2021; 225:432.e1-432.e7. [PMID: 33812811 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2021.03.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The characteristics of antiphospholipid syndrome-associated hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count syndrome are poorly described, likely because of the low frequency of this combination of syndromes. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to compare the characteristics and prognosis of hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count syndrome in patients with and without antiphospholipid syndrome. STUDY DESIGN In this multicenter, case-control study, adult women diagnosed with hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count syndrome before 34 weeks' gestation and who were also tested for antiphospholipid antibodies according to international diagnostic recommendations were included. Cases labeled "HELLP-APS+" were defined as patients who fulfilled the international classification criteria for antiphospholipid syndrome; they were retrospectively recruited by screening the 672 patients with antiphospholipid syndrome in our antiphospholipid syndrome database. Control cases labeled "HELLP-APS-" were defined as patients who did not fulfill the criteria for antiphospholipid syndrome; they were retrospectively recruited from our hospital admission database. RESULTS Overall, 71 patients were included (mean age, 30±5 years), with 23 patients in the hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count syndrome with antiphospholipid syndrome group and 48 patients in the hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count syndrome without antiphospholipid syndrome group. The live birth rate was significantly lower for patients with hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count with antiphospholipid syndrome than for those with hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count syndrome without antiphospholipid syndrome (43.5% vs 89.4%; P<.001). The patients with hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count syndrome with antiphospholipid syndrome gave birth prematurely more often than the patients without antiphospholipid syndrome (24 weeks' gestation; 22.0-28.0 weeks vs 30 weeks' gestation; 27.0-33.0 weeks; P<.001). Among the patients with hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count syndrome with antiphospholipid syndrome, 39% required an induced abortion owing to hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count syndrome severity vs 8.5% of the patients with hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count syndrome without antiphospholipid syndrome (P=.006). The intensive care unit admission rate was 61.9% in patients with hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count syndrome with antiphospholipid syndrome, which was significantly higher than the rate of 27.7% in patients with hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count syndrome without antiphospholipid syndrome (P=.007). None of the mothers died. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that the presence of antiphospholipid syndrome is a poor prognostic factor for both the mother and fetus in patients with hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count syndrome.
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Chaturvedi S, Braunstein EM, Brodsky RA. Antiphospholipid syndrome: Complement activation, complement gene mutations, and therapeutic implications. J Thromb Haemost 2021; 19:607-616. [PMID: 32881236 PMCID: PMC8080439 DOI: 10.1111/jth.15082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an acquired thromboinflammatory disorder characterized by the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies as well as an increased frequency of venous or arterial thrombosis and/or obstetrical morbidity. The spectrum of disease varies from asymptomatic to a severe form characterized by widespread thrombosis and multiorgan failure, termed catastrophic APS (CAPS). CAPS affects only about ∼1% of APS patients, often presents as a thrombotic microangiopathy and has a fulminant course with >40% mortality, despite the best available therapy. Animal models have implicated complement in the pathophysiology of thrombosis in APS, with more recent data from human studies confirming the interaction between the coagulation and complement pathways. Activation of the complement cascade via antiphospholipid antibodies can cause cellular injury and promote coagulation via multiple mechanisms. Finally, analogous to classic complement-mediated diseases such as atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome, a subset of patients with APS may be at increased risk for development of CAPS because of the presence of germline variants in genes crucial for complement regulation. Together, these data make complement inhibition an attractive and potentially lifesaving therapy to mitigate morbidity and mortality in severe thrombotic APS and CAPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shruti Chaturvedi
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Evan M Braunstein
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Robert A Brodsky
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Genetic and molecular evidence for complement dysregulation in patients with HELLP syndrome. Thromb Res 2020; 196:167-174. [PMID: 32890900 DOI: 10.1016/j.thromres.2020.08.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND HELLP (Hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets) syndrome is a severe and acute pregnancy-related disorder that occurs in approximately 2.5 per 1000 deliveries and represents a major cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. This syndrome has been suggested to be a microangiopathy and delivery is the only effective treatment. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to investigate the pathophysiology of HELLP syndrome by simultaneously exploring complement, haemostasis, autoimmunity and inflammation in relation to the clinical outcome. METHODS We investigated 19 HELLP patients at the time of diagnosis and 3 months after delivery, for complement function, haemostasis and inflammation with immunoenzymatic methods. Complement-related gene variants were also analyzed by next generation sequencing and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification. Nineteen age-matched healthy pregnant women served as controls. RESULTS At diagnosis, HELLP patients, compared to controls, showed significantly higher plasma levels of SC5b-9 (median 710 ng/ml [range 216-1499] vs 253 ng/ml [19-371], P < 0.0001) and of C5a (20.8 ng/ml [5.6-27.5] vs 12.7 ng/ml [3.2-24.6]; P = 0.004), which decreased three months after delivery (SC5b9: 190 ng/ml [83-446] vs 160 ng/ml [107-219]; C5a: 9.28 ng/ml [2.3-21.6] vs 10.7 ng/ml [2.5-21.2]). A significantly higher frequency of genetic variants involving complement regulatory genes was also observed (52.6% vs 15.8%; P = 0.016). Moreover, at HELLP diagnosis, patients showed increased coagulation markers (fragment F1 + 2 and D-dimer; P = 0.0001) while both patients and controls had high thrombin-generation potential that decreased after delivery. CONCLUSIONS In the pathophysiology of HELLP syndrome, complement dysregulation, in addition to coagulation activation, is involved and may represent a potential target for treatment with the aim of delaying delivery.
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Nasonov EL, Reshetnyak TM, Alekberova ZS. [Thrombotic microangiopathy in rheumatology: a link between thrombosis and autoimmunity]. TERAPEVT ARKH 2020; 92:4-14. [PMID: 32598770 DOI: 10.26442/00403660.2020.05.000697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Uncontrolled hypercoagulation and inflammation (thromboinflammation), which are both independent and closely related and amplifying each other pathological processes, form the basis for pathogenesis of a wide range of diseases and complications, including immuno-inflammatory (autoimmune) rheumatic diseases, with the development of potentially fatal injuries of internal organs. Thrombotic microangiopathy is one of the most prominent prototypes of thromboinflammatory pathological conditions. The close link between environmental factors, hemostasis genetic defects and the complement system, inflammation and autoimmunity as pathogenetic mechanisms of microthrombosis draws particular attention to studying thrombotic microangiopathy in immuno-inflammatory rheumatic diseases, primarily systemic lupus erythematosus, antiphospholipid syndrome and scleroderma renal crisis. In future, these studies may be important for expanding the idea of the role of autoimmune mechanisms in pathogenesis of critical hemostasis disorders in human diseases, and for developing new approaches to therapy. Recently, special attention has been paid to the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus and antiphospholipid syndrome with eculizumab, which is humanized monoclonal IgG2/4k antibody that blocks the complement component C5a and the membrane attack complex (C5b-9) formation, and which is registered for the treatment of atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome, paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, as well as severe forms of myasthenia gravis and neuromyelitis optica. Further studies in this direction will create prerequisites for improving the prognosis not only in patients with orphan disorders, but also for widespread human diseases.
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Mayer-Pickel K, Stern C, Cervar-Zivkovic M, Schöll W, Moertl M. Preeclampsia before fetal viability in women with primary antiphospholipid syndrome- materno-fetal outcomes in a series of 7 cases. J Reprod Immunol 2020; 138:103101. [PMID: 32114217 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2020.103101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Revised: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Preeclampsia complicates about 10-17 % of pregnancies with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). It is often severe and might occur sometimes at early gestation. The development of preeclampsia before fetal viability is a huge challenge for obstetricians and demands an intensive discussion regarding the therapeutical options. PATIENTS AND METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the data of 7 women with primary APS who developed preeclampsia before 24 weeks of gestation. Plasma exchange had been performed in four of the cases and two women received corticosteroids. One of the women had received 20 mg of pravastatin daily, starting at 18 weeks of gestation. Neonatal outcome was: live birth in four cases and IUFD in three cases. The main pediatric complications were noted in a 28-week-old premature born boy, who developed severe IRDS and thrombocytopenia. At the present time, the boy continues to have a retarded status. DISCUSSION This retrospective analysis revealed that women with APS can develop severe preeclampsia even before 20 weeks of gestation. Several management options for prolongation of pregnancy such as plasma exchange, pravastatin, LMHW, hydroxychloroquine/HCQ, or TNF-alpha blocker should be discussed with the patients. Optimal management of preeclampsia before 24 weeks of gestation usually depends on weighing the maternal and fetal complications from expectant management with prolongation of pregnancy versus the predominant fetal and neonatal risks of extreme prematurity from "aggressive" management with immediate delivery.
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Chaturvedi S, Braunstein EM, Yuan X, Yu J, Alexander A, Chen H, Gavriilaki E, Alluri R, Streiff MB, Petri M, Crowther MA, McCrae KR, Brodsky RA. Complement activity and complement regulatory gene mutations are associated with thrombosis in APS and CAPS. Blood 2020; 135:239-251. [PMID: 31812994 PMCID: PMC6978159 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2019003863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is characterized by thrombosis and/or pregnancy morbidity in the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies, including anti-β2-glycoprotein-I (anti-β2GPI), that are considered central to APS pathogenesis. Based on animal studies showing a role of complement in APS-related clinical events, we used the modified Ham (mHam) assay (complement-dependent cell killing) and cell-surface deposition of C5b-9 to test the hypothesis that complement activation is associated with thrombotic events in APS. A positive mHam (and corresponding C5b-9 deposition) were present in 85.7% of catastrophic APS (CAPS), 35.6% of APS (and 68.5% of samples collected within 1 year of thrombosis), and only 6.8% of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) sera. A positive mHam assay was associated with triple positivity (for lupus anticoagulant, anticardiolipin, and anti-β2GPI antibodies) and recurrent thrombosis. Patient-derived anti-β2GPI antibodies also induced C5b-9 deposition, which was blocked completely by an anti-C5 monoclonal antibody, but not by a factor D inhibitor, indicating that complement activation by anti-β2GPI antibodies occurs primarily through the classical complement pathway. Finally, patients with CAPS have high rates of rare germline variants in complement regulatory genes (60%), compared with patients with APS (21.8%) or SLE (28.6%) or normal controls (23.3%), and have mutations at a rate similar to that of patients with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (51.5%). Taken together, our data suggest that anti-β2GPI antibodies activate complement and contribute to thrombosis in APS, whereas patients with CAPS have underlying mutations in complement regulatory genes that serve as a "second hit," leading to uncontrolled complement activation and a more severe thrombotic phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shruti Chaturvedi
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Evan M Braunstein
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Xuan Yuan
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Jia Yu
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Alice Alexander
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Hang Chen
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Eleni Gavriilaki
- Department of Hematology, Papanicolaou Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Ravi Alluri
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
| | - Michael B Streiff
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Michelle Petri
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD; and
| | - Mark A Crowther
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Keith R McCrae
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
| | - Robert A Brodsky
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
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The role of hepatic sinusoidal obstruction in the pathogenesis of the hepatic involvement in HELLP syndrome: Exploring the literature. Pregnancy Hypertens 2019; 19:37-43. [PMID: 31877439 DOI: 10.1016/j.preghy.2019.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
AIM This study aims to determine, based on existing data, whether the mechanism resulting in liver dysfunction in HELLP syndrome resembles that in Sinusoidal Obstruction Syndrome (SOS). BACKGROUND HELLP syndrome is a serious pregnancy disorder with high maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality rates. Because of poor insight in its pathophysiology, particularly that of the liver involvement, clinical management is limited to symptomatic treatment, often followed by termination of pregnancy. SOS is a rare, potentially life-threatening complication of radio and/ or chemotherapy in the preparation of hematopoietic cell transplantation. The etiology of liver dysfunction in SOS is - unlike that in HELLP syndrome - better-understood and seems to be initiated by direct toxic damage and demise of endothelial cells, causing hepatic sinusoidal obstruction and ischemia. METHODS We searched Pubmed, Embase and Cochrane for reports on the etiology of HELLP and SOS. This yielded 73 articles, with 14 additional reports from the references listed in these articles. RESULTS The dysfunctional placenta in women developing HELLP initiates a cascade of events that eventually results in liver dysfunction. The placenta releases, besides anti-angiogenetic factors, also necrotic debris and cell-free DNA, a mixture that not only induces systemic endothelial dysfunction as in preeclampsia, but also a systemic inflammatory response. The latter aggravates the endothelio-toxic effects in the systemic cardiovascular bed, amplifying the already increased pro-thrombotic conditions. Particularly in microcirculations with extremely low shear forces, such as in the hepatic sinusoids, this will facilitate microthrombi formation and fibrin deposition eventually resulting in obstruction of the sinusoids similar as in SOS. The latter causes ischemic damage and progressive demise of hepatocytes. CONCLUSION The available information supports the concept that the liver damage in HELLP and SOS results from sinusoidal ischemia, presumably resulting from partially overlapping pathophysiological mechanisms.
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Tincani A, Nalli C, Khizroeva J, Bitsadze V, Lojacono A, Andreoli L, Shoenfeld Y, Makatsariya A. Autoimmune diseases and pregnancy. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab 2019; 33:101322. [PMID: 31542218 DOI: 10.1016/j.beem.2019.101322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Pregnancy in autoimmune diseases remains an argument of debate. In last years great improvements were done and with the correct medical support women with disease such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus or Antiphospholipid Syndrome can afford a pregnancy and have healthy babies. The starting point is a good counselling. Women should be informed about risks that can occur taking some medications while pregnant and, on the other hand, that there are medications that can be safety assumed during pregnancy. Furthermore, there are known maternal risks factor such as the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies or anti-Ro/SSA antibodies that must be carefully manage by both rheumatologists and obstetrics. In addition, also disease activity during pregnancy can represent an issue. For all these reason, a multidisciplinary approach is mandatory in order to give our patients an optimal medical support, before, during and after pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Tincani
- Rheumatology and Immunology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy; I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University), Russia.
| | - Cecilia Nalli
- Rheumatology and Immunology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
| | - Jamilya Khizroeva
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Victoria Bitsadze
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Andrea Lojacono
- Obstetric and Gynecology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Science, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
| | - Laura Andreoli
- Rheumatology and Immunology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
| | - Yehuda Shoenfeld
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University), Russia; Department of Medicine 'B', The Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
| | - Alexander Makatsariya
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
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16
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Chaturvedi S, Brodsky RA, McCrae KR. Complement in the Pathophysiology of the Antiphospholipid Syndrome. Front Immunol 2019; 10:449. [PMID: 30923524 PMCID: PMC6426753 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is characterized by thrombosis and pregnancy morbidity in the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). Complement is a system of enzymes and regulatory proteins of the innate immune system that plays a key role in the inflammatory response to pathogenic stimuli. The complement and coagulation pathways are closely linked, and expanding data indicate that complement may be activated in patients with aPL and function as a cofactor in the pathogenesis of aPL-associated clinical events. Complement activation by aPL generates C5a, which induces neutrophil tissue factor-dependent procoagulant activity. Beta-2-glycoprotein I, the primary antigen for pathogenic aPL, has complement regulatory effects in vitro. Moreover, aPL induce fetal loss in wild-type mice but not in mice deficient in specific complement components (C3, C5). Antiphospholipid antibodies also induce thrombosis in wild type mice and this effect is attenuated in C3 or C6 deficient mice, or in the presence of a C5 inhibitor. Increased levels of complement activation products have been demonstrated in sera of patients with aPL, though the association with clinical events remains unclear. Eculizumab, a terminal complement inhibitor, has successfully been used to treat catastrophic APS and prevent APS-related thrombotic microangiopathy in the setting of renal transplant. However, the mechanisms of complement activation in APS, its role in the pathogenesis of aPL related complications in humans, and the potential of complement inhibition as a therapeutic target in APS require further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shruti Chaturvedi
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Robert A Brodsky
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Keith R McCrae
- Hematologic Oncology and Blood Disorders, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland, OH, United States.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
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Ruffatti A, Favaro M, Calligaro A, Zambon A, Del Ross T. Management of pregnant women with antiphospholipid antibodies. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2019; 15:347-358. [DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2019.1565995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Amelia Ruffatti
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Maria Favaro
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Antonia Calligaro
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Alessandra Zambon
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, Department of Woman’s and Child’s Health, University Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Teresa Del Ross
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy
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18
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19
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Sammaritano LR, Bermas BL. Management of pregnancy and lactation. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol 2018; 32:750-766. [DOI: 10.1016/j.berh.2019.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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20
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Genest G, Spitzer KA, Laskin CA. Maternal and Fetal Outcomes in a Cohort of Patients Exposed to Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors throughout Pregnancy. J Rheumatol 2018; 45:1109-1115. [PMID: 29961692 DOI: 10.3899/jrheum.171152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) are increasingly used in pregnancy but are frequently withheld in the second or third trimesters. We evaluated the maternal and fetal outcomes of women who continued their TNFi throughout pregnancy compared to women who interrupted TNFi during pregnancy. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed the outcomes of women seen in clinic with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), or ankylosing spondylitis, who were exposed to TNFi during pregnancy. We separated pregnancies into 2 groups based on the level of TNFi exposure and compared outcomes. RESULTS In Group 1 (TNFi exposure in first trimester only), 11 women had 14 pregnancies and 12 live births. There were 2 first-trimester losses (2/14, 14%), one in the setting of active RA. Five pregnancies (5/14, 35.7%) were complicated by a disease flare. Eight patients (8/12, 66%) flared postpartum. In Group 2 (TNFi exposure throughout pregnancy), 29 women had 32 pregnancies and 34 live births. Three (3/28, 10.7%) adverse pregnancy outcomes were reported in 2 patients. One patient had a twin pregnancy and delivered at 33 weeks after developing preterm premature rupture of membranes at 32 weeks in the setting of a JIA flare. Her second pregnancy was complicated by active JIA before and throughout gestation, and hemolysis, elevated liver enzyme levels, and low platelet levels (HELLP) syndrome at 39 weeks. Another patient with comorbid antiphospholipid syndrome underwent a cesarean birth at 36 weeks for suspicion of HELLP syndrome. Six (6/32, 18.7%) postpartum flares occurred. CONCLUSION Women who discontinued their TNFi during pregnancy had a higher risk of peri- or postpartum flare compared to those who continued their TNFi throughout pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geneviève Genest
- From the Department of Allergy and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec; TRIO Fertility; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Toronto; Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. .,G. Genest, MD, FRCPC, Department of Allergy and Immunology, McGill University; K.A. Spitzer, MSc, TRIO Fertility; C.A. Laskin, MD, FRCPC, TRIO Fertility; Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital; Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Toronto.
| | - Karen A Spitzer
- From the Department of Allergy and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec; TRIO Fertility; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Toronto; Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,G. Genest, MD, FRCPC, Department of Allergy and Immunology, McGill University; K.A. Spitzer, MSc, TRIO Fertility; C.A. Laskin, MD, FRCPC, TRIO Fertility; Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital; Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Toronto
| | - Carl A Laskin
- From the Department of Allergy and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec; TRIO Fertility; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Toronto; Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,G. Genest, MD, FRCPC, Department of Allergy and Immunology, McGill University; K.A. Spitzer, MSc, TRIO Fertility; C.A. Laskin, MD, FRCPC, TRIO Fertility; Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital; Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Toronto
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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: 2.3] [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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22
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Riancho-Zarrabeitia L, Daroca G, Muñoz P, López-Hoyos M, Haya A, Martínez-Taboada VM. Serological evolution in women with positive antiphospholipid antibodies. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2017; 47:397-402. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2017.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2017] [Revised: 04/19/2017] [Accepted: 05/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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23
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Maternal and Perinatal Outcome in Women with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Retrospective Bicenter Cohort Study. J Immunol Res 2017; 2017:8245879. [PMID: 29094052 PMCID: PMC5637847 DOI: 10.1155/2017/8245879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2017] [Revised: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate disease activity around and during pregnancy and pregnancy outcome in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) considering antiphospholipid antibody status. Moreover, differences between first and consecutive pregnancies were examined. Methods Pregnancies > 16 weeks gestation of SLE patients receiving joint care from rheumatologists and gynecologists in two tertiary centers in the Netherlands between 2000 and 2015 were included. Disease activity, flare rate, and pregnancy outcomes and complications were assessed. Results Ninety-six women (84% Caucasian) with 144 pregnancies were included. The median SLE(P)DAI score was 2 before, during, and after pregnancy. Flare rates were 6.3%, 20.1%, and 15.3%, respectively. Severe hypertensive disorder of pregnancy, intrauterine fetal death, preterm birth, and small-for-gestational age infants occurred in 18.1%, 4.1%, 32.7%, and 14.8%, respectively. Complication rates were similar in the first and consecutive pregnancies. Half of the women did not experience any pregnancy complication whereas 42.7% developed a complication during all pregnancies. Mean number of pregnancies was 2.4 and live births 1.7. Conclusion In this SLE population with low disease activity, pregnancy complications were present irrespective of antiphospholipid antibody status. Furthermore, there were no differences in complication rates between the first and consecutive pregnancies as seen in healthy mothers. This information is useful for patient counseling.
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Girish B, Gainder S, Saha SC, Krishnappa D. Rare Presentation of Catastrophic Antiphospholipid Syndrome with Myocarditis in Post-partum Period: Case Report and Review of Literature. J Obstet Gynaecol India 2017; 68:70-72. [PMID: 29391679 DOI: 10.1007/s13224-017-0974-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2016] [Accepted: 02/11/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Bhavana Girish
- 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, 160012 India.,3Present Address: All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Shalini Gainder
- 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, 160012 India
| | - S C Saha
- 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, 160012 India
| | - Darshan Krishnappa
- 2Department of Cardiology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, 160012 India
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Pons-Estel GJ, Andreoli L, Scanzi F, Cervera R, Tincani A. The antiphospholipid syndrome in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. J Autoimmun 2016; 76:10-20. [PMID: 27776934 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2016.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2016] [Accepted: 10/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by the occurrence of venous and/or arterial thrombosis and pregnancy morbidity in the presence of pathogenic autoantibodies known as antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). APS may be associated with other diseases, mainly systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The presence or absence of SLE might modify the clinical or serological expression of APS. Apart from the classical manifestations, APS patients with associated SLE more frequently display a clinical profile with arthralgias, arthritis, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, livedo reticularis, epilepsy, glomerular thrombosis, and myocardial infarction. The management of patients with SLE and APS/aPL should include an accurate stratification of vascular risk factors. Low dose aspirin and hydroxychloroquine should be considered as primary prophylaxis. In high risk situations, such as surgery, prolonged immobilization, and puerperium, the prophylaxis should be potentiated with low molecular weight heparin. The challenge of treating patients with a previous vascular event (secondary prophylaxis) is the choice of treatment (anti-platelet agents, anticoagulation with vitamin K antagonists or combined therapy) and its duration, based on individual risk stratification and the site of vascular presentation. The role of novel anticoagulants in APS patients is still to be clearly defined. Novel approaches are needed since the prognosis of SLE patients with APS/aPL is still worse than that of SLE patients with negative aPL. The goal for the future is to improve the outcome of these patients by means of early recognition and optimal preventative treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laura Andreoli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
| | - Francesco Scanzi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
| | - Ricard Cervera
- Department of Autoimmune Diseases, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Angela Tincani
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy.
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Kew GS, Cho J, Lateef A. Microangiopathic antiphospholipid antibody-associated syndrome in a pregnant lady. Lupus 2016; 26:435-437. [PMID: 27694537 DOI: 10.1177/0961203316659548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
We describe a gravid 37-year-old Chinese lady with known triple positive primary antiphospholipid syndrome with previous recurrent deep vein thrombosis and early spontaneous miscarriages. She was managed with low-molecular weight heparin, aspirin, hydroxychloroquine, prednisolone and monthly intravenous immunoglobulin. She presented with recurrent per-vaginal bleeding at 22 weeks of gestation and was found to have abruptio placentae. Anti-coagulation was held off. She subsequently delivered a stillborn at 24 weeks and anti-coagulation was restarted. Day 5 post-delivery, she developed HELLP, with hemolytic anaemia (Hb 10.1 g/dL, haptoglobin <30 g/L, LDH 2206 U/L), elevated transaminases (AST 1196 U/L, ALT 1130 U/L) and thrombocytopenia (platelet 28 × 10^9/L). There were also episodes of acute severe headache and abdominal pain assessed to be secondary to microvascular ischemia as CT did not reveal any thrombosis. Her blood pressure hovered persistently above systolic 180 mmHg, and required at least three anti-hypertensives. These were coupled with a new onset proteinuria of 2 to 3 g/day. There was no evidence of disseminated intravascular coagulation. She was assessed to have microangiopathic antiphospholipid syndrome and was started on plasmapheresis. On Day 10 post-partum, the patient complained of foul-smelling vaginal discharge and was found to have retained products of conception, which was immediately evacuated. Her course was followed by poly-microbial sepsis secondary to Enterococcus fecalis, Klebsiella Pneumoniae and Escherichia coli. The patient was further treated with imipenem and she completed eight exchanges of plasmapheresis followed by five days of intravenous immunoglobulins with good clinical and biochemical improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- G S Kew
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore
| | - J Cho
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore
| | - A Lateef
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore
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Abstract
Reproductive issues including contraception, fertility, and pregnancy are important components of the comprehensive care of women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). SLE pregnancies are complicated due to risk for maternal disease exacerbation and potential for fetal and neonatal complications. Pre-pregnancy assessment is important to identify patients with severe disease-related damage who should avoid pregnancy, counsel patients to conceive when disease has been stable and inactive on appropriate medications, and assess relevant risk factors including renal disease, antiphospholipid antibody, and anti-Ro/SS-A and anti-La/SS-B antibodies. With careful planning, monitoring, and care, most women with SLE can anticipate a successful pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa R Sammaritano
- Hospital for Special Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021;
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Brock CO, Brohl AS, Običan SG. Incidence, pathophysiology, and clinical manifestations of antiphospholipid syndrome. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 105:201-8. [DOI: 10.1002/bdrc.21107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Clifton O'neill Brock
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons; New York New York
| | - Andrew Scott Brohl
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai; Egypt
| | - Sarah Gloria Običan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons; New York New York
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Rodríguez-Pintó I, Espinosa G, Cervera R. Catastrophic APS in the context of other thrombotic microangiopathies. Curr Rheumatol Rep 2015; 17:482. [PMID: 25604575 DOI: 10.1007/s11926-014-0482-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (CAPS) is a rare disease that affects 1 % of cases with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). CAPS can mimic or overlap with different thrombotic diseases; many patients present with a microthrombotic storm or thrombotic microangiopathic hemolytic anemia (TMHA). Thus, the differential diagnosis of CAPS includes thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), typical and atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), systemic infections, malignancies, pregnancy-related disorders, malignant hypertension, heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, and drug-induced thrombotic microangiopathies. Antiphospholipid antibody (aPL) positivity has been proposed as the clue in this differential diagnosis; however, aPL can also occur in healthy people and in those with infections or malignancies. Thus, the differential diagnosis of an aPL-positive patient presenting with a microthrombotic storm is broad; the workup should include a special attention to signs of infection and disseminated malignant disease, assessing the funduscopic signs of malignant hypertension, testing ADAMTS13 activity and anti-heparin-platelet factor 4 (HPF4) antibodies, and searching previous exposure to certain drugs. This article aims to review the main diseases included in the differential diagnosis of CAPS in the context of other thrombotic microangiopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignasi Rodríguez-Pintó
- Department of Autoimmune Diseases, Institut Clínic de Medicina i Dermatologia, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
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Autoimmune connective tissue diseases. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2015; 29:658-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2015.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2014] [Revised: 03/02/2015] [Accepted: 03/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Pourrat O, Coudroy R, Pierre F. Differentiation between severe HELLP syndrome and thrombotic microangiopathy, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and other imitators. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2015; 189:68-72. [PMID: 25879992 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2015.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2014] [Revised: 01/13/2015] [Accepted: 03/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Pre-eclampsia complicated by severe HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelet count) syndrome is a multi-organ disease, and can be difficult to differentiate from thrombotic microangiopathy (appearing as thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura or hemolytic uremic syndrome), acute fatty liver, systemic erythematous lupus, antiphospholipid syndrome and severe sepsis. Many papers have highlighted the risks of misdiagnosis resulting in severe consequences for maternal health, and this can be fatal when thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura is misdiagnosed as severe HELLP syndrome. The aim of this paper is to propose relevant markers to differentiate pre-eclampsia complicated by severe HELLP syndrome from its imitators, even in the worrying situation of apparently indistinguishable conditions, and thereby assist clinical decision-making regarding whether or not to commence plasma exchange. Relevant identifiers to establish the most accurate diagnosis include the frequency of each disease and anamnestic data. Frank hemolysis, need for dialysis, neurological involvement and absence of disseminated intravascular coagulation are indicative of thrombotic microangiopathy. The definitive marker for thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura is undetectable ADAMTS 13 activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Pourrat
- Obstetric Medicine Clinic, Intensive Care and Internal Medicine Unit, University of Poitiers, Jean Bernard Hospital, Poitiers Cedex, France.
| | - R Coudroy
- Intensive Care and Internal Medicine Unit, University of Poitiers, Jean Bernard Hospital, Poitiers Cedex, France
| | - F Pierre
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University of Poitiers, Jean Bernard Hospital, Poitiers Cedex, France
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An approach to differential diagnosis of antiphospholipid antibody syndrome and related conditions. ScientificWorldJournal 2014; 2014:341342. [PMID: 25374937 PMCID: PMC4211159 DOI: 10.1155/2014/341342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2014] [Accepted: 09/01/2014] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The antiphospholipid antibody syndrome is a systemic, acquired, immune-mediated disorder characterized by episodes of venous, arterial, or microcirculation thrombosis and/or pregnancy abnormalities, associated with the persistent presence of autoantibodies, confirmed at least in two occasions 12 weeks apart, directed to molecular complexes consisting of phospholipids and proteins. Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome should always be considered as a potential diagnosis especially for young patients presenting with a history of thrombotic events, in particular when they occur without any obvious external trigger or any inherited thrombophilic mutation (even if 2006 criteria do not exclude antiphospholipid antibody syndrome in patients with other inherited or acquired prothrombotic conditions), or for women with recurrent pregnancy losses or later fetal deaths. Many other disorders are able to mimic antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, so a broad range of alternative diagnoses should be investigated and ruled out during clinical workup.
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33
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Osol G, Bernstein I. Preeclampsia and maternal cardiovascular disease: consequence or predisposition? J Vasc Res 2014; 51:290-304. [PMID: 25300258 DOI: 10.1159/000367627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2014] [Accepted: 08/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Formerly preeclamptic women stand a higher chance of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) later in life and may experience a shortened life span. This review updates the pathophysiology and definition of this complex disease and highlights the protective role of pregnancy by considering the relationship between pregnancy interval and likelihood of disease recurrence. The evidence for persistent maternal cardiovascular impairment following preeclampsia (PE) is considered, e.g. postpartum changes in CVD occurrence, blood pressure elevation and changes in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system). Since maternal endothelial dysfunction is a hallmark of PE, we summarize the evidence for reduced flow-mediated dilation in women with previous PE, and consider the utility and shortcomings of this clinical measure. In addition to viewing postpartum changes as a consequence of this disease, we consider the alternative view that PE might be the manifestation of a maternal phenotype that already has some predisposition to or is in the earlier stages of CVD; in this case, some of the postpartum residual deficits (or their antecedents) may have already been present prior to pregnancy. Finally, we consider the use of novel biomarkers for predicting or detecting PE prior to the appearance of clinical symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Osol
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, Vt., USA
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HELLP syndrome and its relation with the antiphospholipid syndrome. BLOOD TRANSFUSION = TRASFUSIONE DEL SANGUE 2013; 12:114-8. [PMID: 24333078 DOI: 10.2450/2013.0154-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2013] [Accepted: 06/26/2013] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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McCrae KR. Thrombocytopenia in Pregnancy. Platelets 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-387837-3.00044-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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36
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Abstract
Antiphospholipid syndrome is characterized by arterial and venous thromboembolic events and persistent laboratory evidence of antiphospholipid antibodies. Obstetric complications such as recurrent miscarriage, early delivery, oligohydramnios, prematurity, intrauterine growth restriction, fetal distress, fetal or neonatal thrombosis, pre-eclampsia/eclampsia, and HELLP syndrome are also hallmarks of antiphospholipid syndrome. This syndrome is one of the diseases associated with the most severe thrombotic risk. Changes in the hemostatic system during normal pregnancy also result in a hypercoagulable state resulting in elevated thrombotic risk. Thromboembolic events are responsible of the vast majority of maternal and fetal deaths. Administration of appropriate thromboprophylaxis helps prevent thromboembolic complications during pregnancy in women with antiphospholipid syndrome and also give birth to healthy children. It is important to centralize the medication and management of these patients. It helps in the thoughtful care of these pregnant women encountering serious problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klára Gadó
- Semmelweis Egyetem, Általános Orvostudományi Kar I. Belgyógyászati Klinika Budapest Korányi S. u. 2/A 1083.
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A Case of Microangiopathic Antiphospholipid-Associated Syndromes during Pregnancy: Review of the Literature. Case Rep Med 2012; 2012:827543. [PMID: 22811728 PMCID: PMC3395268 DOI: 10.1155/2012/827543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2012] [Accepted: 04/25/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Microangiopathic antiphospholipid-associated syndromes (MAPSs) are reported as encompassing several conditions mainly affecting the microvasculature of selected organs: the liver in HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet); kidney, brain, and skin in TTP (thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura). It is predominant in patients with catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). A recent report suggests that APS is not only a thrombotic disease but also associated with microangiopathic features, and it can explain the greater prevalence of HELLP syndrome in these patients. We here report a case of MAPS during pregnancy associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in early second trimester.
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Pregnancy implications for systemic lupus erythematosus and the antiphospholipid syndrome. J Autoimmun 2012; 38:J197-208. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2011.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2011] [Accepted: 11/22/2011] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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