Jingi AM, Mfeukeu-Kuate L, Tankeu AT, Ateba NA, Wawo Yonta E, Noubiap JJ. Challenges in the diagnosis and management of anti-phospholipid syndrome: a case from Cameroon.
BMC Res Notes 2017;
10:375. [PMID:
28789672 PMCID:
PMC5549352 DOI:
10.1186/s13104-017-2689-3]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Accepted: 07/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Anti-phospholipid syndrome (APLS) is a condition characterized by the presence of raised plasma levels of anti-phospholipid antibodies associated with thrombo-embolic disease and/or poor obstetrical outcomes in women. The epidemiology of APLS is unknown in most sub-Saharan African countries due to limited access to diagnosis tools. We report the case of APLS in a 29-year-old obese woman that was preceded by pre-eclampsia and fetal death. The diagnosis of APLS was made during a thrombo-embolic episode 4 years after the poor obstetrical outcome. Her management was challenging, as she had three thrombo-embolic events within 18-months despite treatment with anti-coagulant (acenocoumarol).
CONCLUSION
This case highlights the need for screening for APLS after an episode of hypertensive disease in pregnancy or fetal death, and the challenges faced with the treatment, such as resistance to antivitamin K anti-coagulants and the desire for maternity.
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