Ross procedure after prosthetic valve thrombosis in a patient with antiphospholipid syndrome and recurrent bleeding

The Ross procedure allows replacement of a diseased aortic valve with pulmonary root autograft, possibly avoiding the highly thrombotic mechanical valves and immunologic deterioration of tissue valves in antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). Here, we present the use of the Ross procedure in a 42-year-old woman with mild intellectual disability, APS, and a complex anticoagulation history after she presented with thrombosis of her mechanical On-X aortic valve previously implanted for non-bacterial thrombotic endocarditis.

Seronegative autoimmune diseases: A challenging diagnosis

Autoimmune diseases (AID) are increasingly prevalent conditions which comprise more than 100 distinct clinical entities that are responsible for a great disease burden worldwide. The early recognition of these diseases is key for preventing their complications and for tailoring proper management. In most cases, autoantibodies, regardless of their potential pathogenetic role, can be detected in the serum of patients with AID, helping clinicians in making a definitive diagnosis and allowing screening strategies for early -and sometimes pre-clinical- diagnosis. Despite their undoubted crucial role, in a minority of cases, patients with AID may not show any autoantibody, a condition that is referred to as seronegative AID. Suboptimal accuracy of the available laboratory tests, antibody absorption, immunosuppressive therapy, immunodeficiencies, antigen exhaustion, and immunosenescence are the main possible determinants of seronegative AID. Indeed, in seronegative AID, the diagnosis is more challenging and must rely on clinical features and on other available tests, often including histopathological evaluation and radiological diagnostic tests. In this review, we critically dissect, in a narrative fashion, the possible causes of seronegativity, as well as the diagnostic and management implications, in several AID including autoimmune gastritis, celiac disease, autoimmune liver disease, rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune encephalitis, myasthenia gravis, Sjögren's syndrome, antiphospholipid syndrome, and autoimmune thyroid diseases.

Laboratory Diagnosis of Antiphospholipid Syndrome: Insights and Hindrances

Diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) requires the presence of a clinical criterion (thrombosis and/or pregnancy morbidity), combined with persistently circulating antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). Currently, laboratory criteria aPL consist of lupus anticoagulant (LAC), anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL) IgG/IgM, and anti-β2 glycoprotein I antibodies (aβ2GPI) IgG/IgM. Diagnosis and risk stratification of APS are complex and efforts to standardize and optimize laboratory tests have been ongoing since the initial description of the syndrome. LAC detection is based on functional coagulation assays, while aCL and aβ2GPI are measured with immunological solid-phase assays. LAC assays are especially prone to interference by anticoagulation therapy, but strategies to circumvent this interference are promising. Alternative techniques such as thrombin generation for LAC detection and to estimate LAC pathogenicity have been suggested, but are not applicable yet in routine setting. For aCL and aβ2GPI, a lot of different assays and detection techniques such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent and chemiluminescent assays are available. Furthermore, a lack of universal calibrators or standards results in high variability between the different solid-phase assays. Other non-criteria aPL such as anti-domain I β2 glycoprotein I and antiphosphatidylserine/prothrombin antibodies have been suggested for risk stratification purposes in APS, while their added value to diagnostic criteria seems limited. In this review, we will describe laboratory assays for diagnostic and risk evaluation in APS, integrating applicable guidelines and classification criteria. Current insights and hindrances are addressed with respect to both laboratory and clinical implications.

Not all that is 'full house' is systemic lupus erythematosus: a case of membranous nephropathy due to syphilis infection

We describe an unusual case of membranous nephropathy precipitated by syphilis infection in a patient without systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). A previously healthy 20-year-old man presented with leg and facial swelling. Laboratory investigation revealed nephrotic range proteinuria, acute kidney injury, hypocomplementaemia and a highly positive rapid plasma reagin. Kidney biopsy showed membranous nephropathy with 'full-house' immunofluorescence (IgG, IgA, IgM, C1q and C3), mimicking lupus nephritis class Vb. However, the patient had no features of SLE and had negative antinuclear and anti-double-stranded DNA antibodies. He was treated with high-dose methylprednisolone and mycophenolate mofetil for lupus nephritis and with penicillin for syphilis. After 2 months of therapy, his proteinuria resolved, and his renal function and C4 level normalised. This case illustrates that syphilis infection can be a mimicker of lupus nephritis. A literature review suggests that ful-house nephropathy may occur independently of lupus nephritis and may or may not develop into SLE.

16th International congress on antiphospholipid antibodies task force report on clinical manifestations of antiphospholipid syndrome

The objectives of the 16th International Congress on Antiphospholipid Antibodies (aPL) Task Force on Clinical Manifestations of Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS) were to critically analyze: a) the definition of "APS"; b) the current knowledge on non-traditional manifestations associated with aPL; and c) the risk stratification strategies in aPL-positive patients. The quality of evidence was assessed by the GRADE system. The task force concluded that: a) APS does not have a uniform definition given the heterogeneity of the clinical presentations and different aPL profiles; b) current literature supports the role for aPL testing in cases of thrombocytopenia and recurrent cardiac events but are limited by vast heterogeneity, providing an overall low-to-very low level of evidence; and c) risk stratification strategies in aPL-positive patients, such as aPL-Score and Global APS Score, can be useful in clinical practice. International multicenter studies are still highly needed to improve the quality of available evidence and consequently the strength of future recommendations.

Seronegative antiphospholipid syndrome: refining the value of "non-criteria" antibodies for diagnosis and clinical management

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by arterial and venous thrombotic manifestations and/or pregnancy-related complications in patients with persistently high antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL), the most common being represented by anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL), anti-beta 2 glycoprotein-I (aβ2GPI), and lupus anticoagulant (LAC). A growing number of studies have showed that, in some cases, patients may present with clinical features of APS but with temporary positive or persistently negative titers of aPL. For these patients, the definition of seronegative APS (SN-APS) has been proposed. Nevertheless, the negativity to classic aPL criteria does not imply that other antibodies may be present or involved in the onset of thrombosis. The diagnosis of SN-APS is usually made by exclusion, but its recognition is important to adopt the most appropriate anti-thrombotic strategy to reduce the rate of recurrences. This research is in continuous development as the clinical relevance of these antibodies is far from being completely clarified. The most studied antibodies are those against phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidic acid, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylinositol, vimentin/cardiolipin complex, and annexin A5. Moreover, the assays to measure the levels of these antibodies have not yet been standardized. In this review, we will summarize the evidence on the most studied non-criteria aPL, their potential clinical relevance, and the antithrombotic therapeutic strategies available in the setting of APS and SN-APS.

Anti-domain 1 of beta2-glycoprotein I aids risk stratification in lupus anticoagulant-positive patients

Lupus anticoagulant (LA) is considered a risk factor for thromboembolism (TE) and adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs). However, quite a few patients diagnosed with LA positivity do not suffer these adverse events. Further testing of anticardiolipin (aCL), anti-beta2-glycoprotein I (anti-β2GPI) or anti-domain 1 of β2GPI (anti-D1) may help to assess the occurrence risk of TE and APOs. Therefore, we aimed to study how to stratify LA-positive patients. In our study, 167 LA-positive patients were consecutively enrolled from January 2015 to December 2016. Serum aCL and anti-β2GPI (IgG, IgM and IgA) and anti-D1 IgG were simultaneously measured. Among these patients, 114 (68.3%) were followed for an average of 36.5 months for TE and APOs. The outcomes showed that 105 patients experienced TE and/or APOs, and 62 patients were LA carriers. Anti-D1 had good consistency with triple positivity (LA+, aCL+, anti-β2GPI+) (kappa = 0.742). Elevated anti-D1 was related to increased risks for TE [odds ratio (OR) 29.87, 95% confidence interval (CI) 8.05-110.74] and APOs (OR 8.73, 95% CI 3.41-22.31). Area under curve showed that the diagnostic power of anti-D1 for TE and APOs was 0.856 (95% CI 0.743-0.970) and 0.682 (95% CI 0.599-0.765), respectively. Survival analysis revealed that patients with high anti-D1 titres had a high cumulative incidence of APOs (hazard ratio 4.66, 95% CI 1.46-14.87). In conclusion, anti-D1, based on good consistency with triple positivity in LA-positive patients, has a stronger association with TE and APOs and, to some degree, could predict pregnancy outcomes. Therefore, anti-D1 may aid risk stratification in LA-positive patients.

How to Identify High-Risk APS Patients: Clinical Utility and Predictive Values of Validated Scores

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a clinical disorder characterised by thrombosis and/or pregnancy morbidity in the persistence of antiphospholipid (aPL) antibodies that are pathogenic and have pro-coagulant activities. Thrombosis in APS tends to recur and require prophylaxis; however, the stereotypical treatment for APS patients is inadequate and stratification of the thrombotic risks is important as aPL are prevalently observed in various diseases or elderly population.

RECENT FINDINGS

It is previously known that the multiple positive aPL or high titre aPL correlate to thrombotic events. To progress the stratification of thrombotic risks in APS patients and to quantitatively analyse those risks, antiphospholipid score (aPL-S) and the Global Anti-phospholipid Syndrome Score (GAPSS) were defined. These scores were raised from the large patient cohort data and either aPL profile classified in detail (aPL-S) or simplified aPL profile with classical thrombotic risk factors (GAPSS) was put into a scoring system. Both the aPL-S and GAPSS have shown a degree of accuracy in identifying high-risk APS patients, especially those at a high risk of thrombosis. However, there are several areas requiring improvement, or at least that clinicians should be aware of, before these instruments are applied in clinical practice. One such issue is standardisation of the aPL tests, including general testing of phosphatidylserine-dependent antiprothrombin antibodies (aPS/PT). Additionally, clinicians may need to be aware of the patient's medical history, particularly with respect to the incidence of SLE, which influences the cutoff value for identifying high-risk patients.

Factors associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with antiphospholipid syndrome: A multicenter study

The aim of this study was to understand the clinical features of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS)-complicated pregnancies and evaluate risk factors for the adverse pregnancy outcomes. This multicenter study evaluated live-birth rates according to therapy modality for APS and risk factors of pregnancy loss in 81 pregnancies. Risk factors for pregnancy complications, including premature delivery before 34 gestational weeks, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, thrombocytopenia, and light-for-date neonate, were evaluated in 51 women who received low dose aspirin (LDA) plus unfractionated heparin (UFH) and delivered after 24 GW. The live-birth rate in APS pregnancies with LDA+UFH therapy was 92.6%. A multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that LDA+UFH therapy decreased the risk of pregnancy loss (OR 0.13, 95%CI 0.03-0.62), and that a history of pregnancy loss despite LDA+UFH therapy increased the risk of pregnancy loss (OR 8.74, 95%CI 1.69-45.2). LDA therapy prior to pregnancy decreased the risk of premature delivery (OR 0.14, 95%CI 0.03-0.69). Positive tests for two or more anti-phospholipid antibodies increased the risks of premature delivery (OR 9.61, 95%CI 1.78-51.8) and thrombocytopenia (OR 4.90, 95%CI 1.11-21.7). Laboratory findings of low complements increased the risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (OR 12.1, 95%CI 1.61-91.0). Standard therapy yielded high live-birth rates. Positive tests for two or more anti-phospholipid antibodies and low complements were associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. These results have important implications for clinicians.

Increased heterogeneity of brain perfusion is an early marker of central nervous system involvement in antiphospholipid antibody carriers

Objective

The non-criteria neuropsychiatric manifestations of antiphospholipid syndrome include headache, dizziness, vertigo, seizure, depression and psychosis. There were still no objective methods qualified to detect the early central nervous system involvement in non-criteria antiphospholipid syndrome. We evaluated the effectiveness of Tc-99m ECD SPECT in assessing circulatory insufficiency in the brains of patients with antiphospholipid antibodies and neuropsychiatric symptoms but without thromboembolism.

Materials and methods

Patients with a history of positive antiphospholipid antibodies and neuropsychiatric symptoms composed the case group; patients without antiphospholipid antibody served as the control group. Subjects with a history of thromboembolism or autoantibodies to extractable nuclear antigens were excluded. All patients received Tc-99m ECD SPECT studies and were classified by the number of positive antiphospholipid antibodies they carried. The heterogeneity of brain perfusion was defined as the coefficient of variation of the SPECT signals. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied to evaluate the differences between the groups.

Results

Total 60 adult patients were included in this study. There were 54 patients in the case group and 6 patients in the control group. The mean age was 38.3 ± 11.5 years. There were 52 women and 8 men. There was no significant difference in the mean brain perfusion between groups (P = 0.69). However, Tc-99m ECD SPECT demonstrated significant heterogeneity of brain perfusion in relation to the number of antiphospholipid antibodies (P = 0.01).

Conclusions

This is the first study demonstrating that Tc-99m ECD SPECT can early detect the increased heterogeneity of brain circulation in non-criteria antiphospholipid antibody carriers.

Significance of fully automated tests for the diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome

Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) can vary both immunologically and functionally, thus it is important to effectively and correctly identify their presence when diagnosing antiphospholipid syndrome. Furthermore, since many immunological/functional tests are necessary to measure aPLs, complete examinations are often not performed in many cases due to significant burden on the testing departments. To address this issue, we measured aPLs defined according to the classification criteria (anticardiolipin antibody: aCL) IgG/IgM and anti-β₂ glycoprotein I antibody (aβ₂GPI) (IgG/IgM) as well as non-criteria antibodies (aCL IgA, aβ₂GPI IgA and aβ₂GPI domain I), in a cohort of 211 patients (61 APS, 140 disease controls and 10 healthy individuals). APLs were measured using a fully automated chemiluminescent immunoassay instrument (BIO-FLASH®/ACL AcuStar®) and with conventional ELISA tests. We demonstrated that both sensitivity and accuracy of diagnosis of aCL IgG and aβ₂GPI IgG were high, in agreement with the past reports. When multiple aPLs were examined, the accuracy of diagnosis increased. The proportion of APS patients that were positive for 2 or more types of aPLs (47/61, 77%) was higher than that of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)(3/37, 9%), those with non-SLE connective tissues diseases (1/53,2%), those with other diseases or healthy volunteers. Based on these findings, it was concluded that the fully automated chemiluminescent immunoassay instrument, which allows the simultaneous evaluation of many types of aPLs, offers clear advantages for a more complete, more rapid and less labor-intensive alternative to running multiple ELISA and could help in better diagnosis for suspected APS patients.

Current status and future prospects for the treatment of antiphospholipid syndrome

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a prothrombotic disease characterized by thrombosis and pregnancy morbidity in the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (apL). Management of thrombosis is based on long-term oral anticoagulation and patients with arterial events should be treated aggressively. Primary thrombo-prophylaxis is recommended in patients with systemic lupus erythromatosus (SLE) and obstetric APS. Obstetric APS care is based on high-risk management and treatment with aspirin and heparin. Possible future therapies include statins, hydroxychloroquine, rituximab, and new anticoagulant drugs. Current research is focused on targeting components of the complement system, interfering with aPL-mediated cell activation and using tailored peptides to block the pathogenic subpopulation of aPL.

Elevated partial antiphospholipid score is a strong risk factor for thrombosis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: a validation study

This study aims to identify risk factors for thrombosis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and to validate the efficacy of the partial antiphospholipid (aPL) score for thrombosis prediction and diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). This study included 325 SLE patients, 188 of whom completed a follow-up of 31.01 months (range 23-48 months). Partial aPL score was calculated by adding up the individual scores for activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), lupus anticoagulant, IgG/IgM anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL), and IgG/IgM anti-β2-glycoprotein I (anti-β2GPI). A simplified aPL score was developed using only APTT, IgG/IgM aCL, and IgG/IgM anti-β2GPI. Partial aPL scores were significantly higher in SLE patients with thrombosis (p < 0.0001). A history of thrombosis (p < 0.0001), a partial aPL score >10 (p < 0.0001), and immunosuppressant use (p = 0.012) were independent risk factors for thrombosis. For patients with a history of thrombosis, partial aPL score was the strongest risk factor for recurrent thrombosis (p < 0.0001, odds ratio = 30.34 (95 % CI 7.70-118.81)). For APS diagnosis, the area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.809 (95 % CI 0.73-0.89) using the partial aPL score. Similarly, the simplified aPL score was significantly associated with thrombosis (p < 0.0001) and was acceptable for APS diagnosis (AUC 0.797, 95 % CI 0.72-0.88). An elevated partial aPL score is a strong risk factor for thrombosis in SLE patients and is a useful tool to predict recurrent thrombosis. Partial aPL score and simplified aPL score, although comprising fewer items than the original aPL score, also represent valuable quantitative indices for APS diagnosis.