Summary
A “lupus” anticoagulant was discovered in 14 patients over a one year period. Only
three of them had systemic lupus erythematosus. Bleeding manifestations were only
present in one patient with concomitant severe thrombocytopenia. In contrast, eight
patients had a history of thrombosis; five of them presented repeated thrombotic episodes.
Obstetrical complications (recurrent abortion, fetal death, or intrauterine growth
retardation) were observed in six patients. An inhibitory effect of plasma on the
production of prostacyclin by vascular tissue was detected in eight patients, six
of whom had thrombosis. We suggest that inhibition of prostacyclin formation could
play a major role in the pathogenesis of thrombosis and obstetrical problems in some
patients with this type of anticoagulant, even in the absence of systemic lupus erythematosus.
Keywords
“Lupus” anticoagulant - Thrombosis - Prostacyclin
