Abstract
BackgroundAnti-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.Case summaryWe 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).ConclusionThis 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.
Highlights
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
This case highlights the need for screening for APLS after an episode of hypertensive disease in preg‐ nancy or fetal death, and the challenges faced with the treatment, such as resistance to antivitamin K anti-coagulants and the desire for maternity
Anti-phospholipid syndrome (APLS) is a condition characterized by the presence of raised plasma levels of anti-phospholipid antibodies associated with thromboembolic disease and/or poor obstetrical outcomes in women [1]
Summary
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. Combination treatment with anti-coagulants, anti-platelets, and biotherapy could be used in patients with recurrent thrombo-embolic disease. Authors’ contributions AMJ, ATT and JJN prepared the manuscript. LMK, AMJ, NAA, EWY participated in patient care. All authors read and approved the final manuscript. Author details 1 Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon. Divi‐ sion of Cardiology, Yaoundé Central Hospital, Yaoundé, Cameroon. Depart‐ ment of Medicine, University of Cape Town and Groote Schuur Hospital, 7925 Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
