Summary
Levels of anticardiolipin antibodies (ACA) were measured in 55 patients with haemophilia
A in serum samples obtained in 1983 and in 1987. Twenty-one patients were negative
for anti HIV-1 antibodies in 1983 and remained negative in 1987; 34 patients had anti
HIV-1 antibodies in 1983; 17 of these latter patients remained asymptomatic, whereas
17 patients developed ARC or AIDS during the 4 years follow-up. Thirteen anti HIV-1
negative patients had elevated ACA levels in 1983; subsequently, a significant decrease
was observed in all these subjects (p <0.001). All anti HIV-1 positive patients had
elevated ACA levels in 1983; normal values were found in 9 patients in 1987. Yet,
these changes were not significant (p >0.05). ACA levels were significantly higher
in HIV-1 infected patients than in those without anti HIV-1 antibodies (p <0.05).
There was no difference of ACA levels between the two anti HIV-1 positive patient
groups, be it in 1983 or be it in 1987 (p >0.05). There was no correlation of ACA
levels with serum IgG concentrations, CD4+ lymphocytes, or the consumption of factor VIII concentrates.
Key words
Anticardiolipin antibodies - Haemophilia A - HIV-1 infection
