Diagnosis Of APS Research Articles

A-168 Comparison of Two Different Lupus Anticoagulant Hexagonal Phase Phospholipid Confirmatory Assays on an Automated Coagulation Analyzer

Abstract Background Antiphospholipid syndrome (aPS) is an autoimmune disorder resulting in venous and/or arterial thrombosis, characterized by presence of lupus anticoagulants (LA) in patient plasma, also referred to as antiphospholipid antibodies. Depending on clinical history and symptoms, or if an unexpected elevated routine aPTT result is observed, LA laboratory testing would be performed, if appropriate. According to published clinical guidelines, LA tests should use aPTT-based and dRVVT-based screening (low phospholipid) and confirmatory (high phospholipid) methods, run in parallel. aPS diagnosis is confirmed from both clinical and laboratory criteria. Laboratory criteria are met if either the aPTT or dRVVT confirmatory test results are positive, and if lab positivity is confirmed following repeated testing 12 weeks following initial results. Due to the multiple tests used, and different manufacturers’ reagents, analysis of comparative performance allows users to identify the optimal tests to use. Objectives of the study were 1) compare intra-run and total precision of two different aPTT-based LA confirmatory tests on a newly available automated coagulation instrument equipped with improved pipetting methodology and preanalytical sample integrity detection and 2) correlate results from the two different aPTT-based LA confirmatory test assays. Methods CRYOcheck Hex LA (Precision BioLogic, Inc., Dartmouth, NS, Canada) and Staclot LA (Diagnostica Stago, Inc., Parsippany, NJ, USA) were run on a STA R Max3 automated coagulation analyzer (Diagnostica Stago, Inc.), using manufacturer recommended protocols. For intra-run precision and total precision analysis, replicates of 5 quality control samples were used (STA Control LA 1+2, Diagnostica Stago, Inc.). For the correlation studies, 20 different LA positive samples were used, supplied by the Specimen Access Team (SAT) from Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings, Burlington, NC, USA. LA positivity was defined as positive by CRYOcheck Hex LA delta result > 11 seconds, which was the cutoff determined at LabCorp’s facility. CRYOcheck Normal Donor Set plasmas were used for normal samples (Precision BioLogic, Inc.). Samples were run in batches containing 5 normal samples and 5 abnormal samples, with quality control run at the beginning and end of each batch. Results Intra-run precision was superior for Staclot LA compared to CRYOcheck Hex LA, with the exception of the high phospholipid “LA Correct” positive tube from CRYOcheck Hex LA. Total precision was either comparable or superior for Staclot LA compared to CRYOcheck Hex LA. In addition, correlation data showed Staclot LA recovered the same result between 3 different aliquots of the same patient mother tube, whereas CRYOcheck Hex LA recovered varying results between runs, when using manufacturer recommended cutoffs. Conclusions Analysis of intra-run and total precision, along with result correlation and recovery between multiple sample aliquots is recommended for when coagulation laboratories evaluate different manufacturers’ reagents. Our data indicate Staclot LA demonstrates superior performance to the CRYOcheck Hex LA on the STA R Max3 automated coagulation analyzer.

Acute Q fever revealed by an anti-phospholipid syndrome: A case report

IntroductionQ fever is a zoonosis caused by Coxiella burnetii. Acute infection is mainly asymptomatic. In other cases it mainly causes a flu-like illness, a pneumonia, or an hepatitis. We present an atypical case of an acute Q fever revealed by a massive pleural effusion. Case reportWe report the case of a 43-year-old man referred to our hospital for an acute respiratory distress. Further analyses showed an exudative eosinophilic pleural effusion, associated with a pulmonary embolism and a deep femoral vein thrombosis. Aetiologic explorations revealed an acute Q fever (IgM and IgG against C. burnetii phase II antigens) associated with anti-phospholipids. The outcome was favorable with vitamin K antagonists, doxycycline, and hydroxychloroquine, till the negativation of the anti-phospholipid antibodies. Discussion and conclusionDuring acute C. burnetii infections, anti-phospholipid antibodies are highly prevalent but thrombotic complications are rare. The 2023 ACR/EULAR APS criteria restricts the diagnosis of APS, as in our case of acute severe infection. In front of an atypical pneumonia and/or thrombotic events, screening of C. burnetii and anti-phospholipid antibodies could be useful. Given its low level of evidence, prolongated treatment by doxycycline, hydroxychloroquine ± anticoagulant for C. burnetii's associated anti-phospholipid syndrome is discussed, but succeeded in our case.

Antiphospholipides : de la biologie à la clinique en 2024

AbstractAnti-phospholipid syndrome is a clinical and biological condition characterized by polymorphic clinical manifestations associated with the persistence of antiphospholipid antibodies. This disease mainly involves young women, although men or older people can also be affected. Most of clinical features are thrombotic (macro- and micro-vascular) and obstetrical manifestations. Some other signs are also described: cardiac, renal, cerebral or cutaneous. The detection of antiphospholipid antibodies antibody relies on titration methods (anti-cardiolipin and anti-β2GPl) but also hemostasis tests for which knowledge and experience of the techniques are needed to ensure the reliability of the results and enable the final APS diagnosis. The treatment of APS leans on anti-thrombotic therapies but also on treatments with corticosteroids or even immunosuppressives for more severe forms.

Monash-Alfred protocol for assessment of atypical parkinsonian syndromes (MAP-APS)

IntroductionAtypical parkinsonian syndromes (APS) are rare neurodegenerative syndromes for which parkinsonism is one significant feature. APS includes progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), multiple system atrophy (MSA) and corticobasal syndrome (CBS). The...

Autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 4: experience from a single reference center.

To characterize patients with APS type 4 among those affected by APS diagnosed and monitored at our local Reference Center for Autoimmune Polyglandular Syndromes. Monocentric observational retrospective study enrolling patients affected by APS diagnosed and monitored in a Reference Center. Clinical records were retrieved and analyzed. 111 subjects (51 males) were affected by APS type 4, mean age at the onset was 23.1 ± 15.1 years. In 15 patients the diagnosis of APS was performed during the first clinical evaluation, in the other 96 after a latency of 11 years (range 1-46). The most frequent diseases were type I diabetes mellitus and celiac disease, equally distributed among sexes. The prevalence of APS type 4 is 9:100,000 people. Type I diabetes mellitus was the leading indicator of APS type 4 in 78% subjects and in 9% permitted the diagnosis occurring as second manifestation of the syndrome. Our data, showing that 50% of patients developed APS type 4 within the first ten years, don't suggest any particular follow-up time and, more importantly, don't specify any particular disease. It is important to emphasize that 5% of women developed premature ovarian failure.

Contribution of anti-β2 glycoprotein1 IgA testing in the diagnosis of seronegative-APS for patients with cerebral thrombosis

Seronegative antiphospholipid syndrome has been suggested for patients with clinical manifestations highly suggestive of APS but persistently negative criteria-aPLs. Evidence gathered over the last years of research in thrombosis reported the pathogenic significance of non-criteria aPLs, among them IgA isotype. However, their role in the occurrence of neurological thrombosis, has not yet been studied. In this article, we aim to: (1) determine the prevalence of aβ2GP1 IgA in cerebral thrombosis, (2) study the association and (3) assess the diagnostic value of aβ2GP1. This study enrolled 70 patients with cerebral thrombosis without underlying autoimmune disease referred for thrombophilia assessment and 165 healthy controls. In addition to a coagulation screen and inherited thrombophilia testing, patients and controls were tested for criteria (LA; aβ2GP1; aCL IgM/IgG) and non-criteria aPLs (aβ2GP1 IgA; aCL IgA; aPS-PT; IgM/IgG). The overall aβ2GP1 IgA prevalence in patients was 61.4 % (43/70) mostly isolated in 50 % (35/70) while 50 % were positive for criteria-aPLs. aβ2GP1 IgA were the most prevalent aPLs in cerebral venous thrombosis compared with stroke (92.3 % vs 54.4 %). A significative relationship between aβ2GP1 IgA and the occurrence of CVT and stroke has been established (x2 = 6.9, p = 0.008; x2 = 4.03, p = 0.045). There was a high specificity of aβ2GP1 IgA testing for stroke (79 %) and CVT (100 %) despite a lower sensitivity (73 %; 52 %, respectively). The aβ2GP1 IgA testing improved considerably (50 %) the diagnosis of patients with cerebral thrombosis and negative criteria-aPLs, who may benefit from an adapted therapeutic care. Laboratory consensus criteria might consider aβ2GP1 IgA and set up a sequential approach improving APS diagnosis.

A Case Report on Antiphospholipid Syndrome

Antiphospholipid syndrome is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies in association with thrombosis and/or obstetric complications. APS is also be presented with multiple organ involvement. We recently encountered a case of primary phospholipid syndrome in a young adult with newly diagnosed pulmonary embolism, immune thrombocytopenia and deep vein thrombosis of left leg. The diagnosis of APS was initially suspected with his prolonged APTT and elevated D-Dimmer values and later confirmed by triple positive antiphospholipid antibody profile and multiple organ involvement Keywords: Antiphospholipid syndrome, Thrombosis, Autoimmune disease.

Determination of four homogeneous subgroups of patients with antiphospholipid syndrome: a cluster analysis based on 509 cases.

APS is a heterogeneous disease with different phenotypes. Using an unsupervised hierarchical cluster analysis, we aimed to determine distinct homogeneous phenotypes among APS patients. We performed an observational, retrospective study of APS patients enrolled in the French multicentre 'APS and SLE' registry who met the Sydney classification criteria. The clustering process involved an unsupervised multiple correspondence analysis followed by a hierarchical ascendant clustering analysis; it used 27 variables selected to cover a broad range of APS clinical and laboratory manifestations. These analyses included 509 patients, mainly women (77.8%). Mean (s.d.) age at APS diagnosis was 36.2 (14.6) years, and mean follow-up since diagnosis 10.3 (8.5) years. This hierarchical classification cluster analysis yielded four homogeneous groups of patients: cluster 1, mostly with venous thromboembolism without any associated autoimmune disease; cluster 2, older, lowest proportion of women, history of arterial events, and/or with migraines, arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, or dyslipidaemia; cluster 3, younger, highest proportion of women, associated SLE or other autoimmune diseases, and a history of venous thromboembolism or pregnancy morbidity; and cluster 4, mainly with a history of catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome, aPL-associated nephropathy, and pregnancy morbidity, with frequent triple positivity and more deaths (16.7%). Our study applied an unsupervised clustering method to distinguish four homogeneous APS patient subgroups that were predominantly venous; arterial; associated with SLE or another autoimmune disease; and arterial microthrombotic. Heterogeneous pathophysiological mechanisms may explain these findings.

P238 Pre-pregnancy switching from mycophenolate to azathioprine in patients with lupus nephritis: a retrospective outcome analysis

Abstract Background/Aims Mycophenolate mofetil is not recommended in pregnancy due to teratogenic effects. A previous small prospective study found that switching from MMF to AZA rarely led to renal flares. Our aim was to assess the impact of switching from MMF to AZA on renal flares and pregnancy outcomes in a lupus nephritis cohort. Methods A retrospective analysis of the records of patients attending the renal and antenatal clinics at St Thomas’s Hospital in London who underwent pre-pregnancy counselling and switched from MMF to AZA was undertaken between January 2019 and December 2020. Inclusion criteria included a diagnosis of SLE based on the 2019 EULAR/ACR classification criteria for SLE and lupus nephritis assessed by a biopsy and classified according to the International Society of Nephrology/Renal Pathology Society 2003 classification. A flare was defined as rising urine PCR, decreasing serum albumin, decreasing serum complement and rising dsDNA antibodies and/or an increase in serum creatinine. Analyses included descriptive statistics [mean (standard deviation) and median (interquartile ranges) for continuous variables and frequency (percent) for categorical values]. Results Twenty-seven patients were included in this study. 55% were of Afro-Caribbean or Asian background and remaining were Caucasian. The median age at SLE diagnosis was 22 (18-26) years. The average disease duration prior to treatment switch was 8 years. The median time between biopsy and switching was 32 months (17-69). 25.9% of patients had a diagnosis of APS. 48% were Ro positive, while 85.2% were positive for dsDNA antibodies. The median serum creatinine was 69 umol/L (58-84), median serum albumin was 42g/L (38-47) and median PCR was 26.5mg/mol (12-61) prior to switching. Our study showed that nine patients (33.3%) flared after switching. five patients (18.5%) flared during pregnancy. 10 (37%) patients went onto have successful pregnancies, two (7.4%) had miscarriages, three (11.1%) patients developed preeclampsia. 46% of patients with class III/IV Nephritis on biopsy developed complications in pregnancy. 36% of patients with dsDNA had poor pregnancy outcomes compared to 25% who were dsDNA negative. 42.2% of patients of Afro-Caribbean/Asian background flared during pregnancy compared to 25% of their Caucasian counterparts. Conclusion Although azathioprine is an option in patients with lupus nephritis who are planning pregnancy, there is a need to identify patients at risk of a disease flare on switching from MMF. This study showed that patients with low serum albumin, creatinine >65, urine PCR >50 and positive dsDNA antibodies at the time of the switch were more likely to flare after switching and in pregnancy. Disclosure S.S. Ali: None. S. Sangle: None. D. D'Cruz: None.

Polyneuropathy and Gastritis in Autoimmune Polyendocrine Syndrome Type 1 in a Young Adult: Uncommon Presentation of a Rare Disease

utoimmune Polyendocrine Syndrome type1 (APS-1), sometimes called, autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 1, and autoimmune-polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal-dystrophy (APECED), is a rare recessive disorder with diverse features that occurs due to mutations in the autoimmune regulator (AIRE) gene inducing autoimmunity. This report summarizes the diagnosis of APS 1 in a 17-year-old young man presenting with vomiting, diarrhea, and limb weakness. Investigation reveals mixed features of endocrinopathies including hypoparathyroidism, hypothyroidism, adrenal insufficiency, and hypogonadism. Although autoimmune keratitis, hepatitis, pancreatitis, pneumonitis, and nephritis are common systemic affection of this condition, the reported case presents with severe sensory-motor polyneuropathy and pangastritis. He carries a single heterozygous copy of the missense variant (NM_000383.3 c.841G>A chr21:45709913 p.Ala281Thr) in exon 7 of the AIRE.

Comparative Analysis of Direct Oral Anticoagulants and Vitamin K Antagonists in Antiphospholipid Syndrome Patients

IntroductionAntiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a major acquired thrombophilia in which vascular thrombosis (venous or arterial) and/or pregnancy losses occur. Despite the use of vitamin K antagonists (VKAs), the annual risk for recurrent thrombosis among APS patients ranges between 2-5% (Crowther et al. NEJM 2003). The evidence for direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) use in APS patients is still lacking. Therefore, we conducted a retrospective cohort study to explore the efficacy and safety of DOACs vs. VKAs in this patient population.MethodsThe electronic medical records at Emory University Hospitals were queried for patients ≥18 years old with APS diagnosis, according to the Sydney international census criteria (Miyakis et al. JTH 2006). Included patients must have experienced acute thrombosis between 01/01/2012 and 12/31/2018 and started anticoagulation therapy with DOACs or VKAs. We reviewed patient charts from the index thrombosis date till the end of the study period (12/31/2019). Clinical endpoints were: recurrent vascular thrombosis, clinically relevant bleeding (CRB), which included major and non-major bleeding events as defined by the ISTH society, and composite outcome of thrombosis and bleeding (Kaatz et al. JTH 2015). Patients presenting with pregnancy complications only during the identification period were excluded.ResultsA total of 153 patients with confirmed APS diagnosis were included in the study. Mean age was 51 (range, 18-79 y.o.). 94 patients (61.4%) were females and 80 patients (52.3%) were white. The most common sites of index thrombosis were pulmonary embolism (N=62, 40.5%), proximal lower extremity deep venous thrombosis (N=49, 32%), and stroke/TIA (N=29, 19%). The majority of patients had a single positive antiphospholipid antibody (aPL) (N=83, 54.2%). 35 (22.9%) had double positive and 24 (15.7%) had triple positive disease.Following index thrombosis, 75 patients started DOAC, whereas 72 started warfarin. Six patients started subcutaneous heparin for a short duration before starting an oral form of anticoagulation. Of those on DOAC, 50 started rivaroxaban while 22 started apixaban. After a mean of 19.8 months (range, 0.68 - 69.8) from the index thrombosis, 62 patients (40.5%) switched to a different class of anticoagulation. The most common reasons for switching therapy were recurrent thrombosis (N=16, 25.8%), followed by patient preference (N=13, 20.9%), side effects including bleeding (N=9, 14.5%), and other reasons, such as confirmed APS diagnosis or renal insufficiency (N=12, 19.3%).We found no statistically significant differences in risk of recurrent thrombosis or CRB events among patients who were started on DOAC vs. VKAs (Figure). The number of arterial thrombosis events was minimal and similar in both treatment groups: N=3 in DOAC group vs. N=5 in the VKA group. Patients treated with rivaroxaban had a similar risk of recurrent thrombosis (log rank, p-value=0.629) and CRB events (log rank, p-value=0.631) compared to those treated with apixaban. The risk of recurrent thrombosis was not affected by degree of aPL positivity or previous history of arterial thrombosis in multivariate models (HR 0.791, 95% CI 0.357 - 1.751) (Table).Discussion and ConclusionOur experience suggests that DOACs -particularly rivaroxaban / apixaban- could be an effective and safe alternative to warfarin in APS patients. We realize that patients with triple aPL positivity constitute a special population with a substantial risk of arterial and venous thrombosis. Given the retrospective nature of our data and that triple aPL positive patients compromised only 15% of our patient population, we conclude that the use of DOACs in these high risk patients remains uncertain. Prospective and large-scale multicenter studies are highly encouraged to explore DOAC use in APS patients with various background profiles. We build on our current experience by starting a multicenter collaboration that will facilitate meaningful subgroup comparisons in APS patients. [Display omitted] DisclosuresGaddh: Agios: Consultancy, Other: Advisory board.

Reducing the diagnostic delay in Antiphospholipid Syndrome over time: a real world observation

BackgroundAntiphospholipid Syndrome (APS) is a rare autoimmune disorder with an estimated prevalence of 40–50 cases per 100.000 persons. Patients suffering from low prevalence diseases are more likely to face diagnostic challenges, given the limited knowledge of most clinicians. The main aim of this study was to investigate the time between symptoms occurrence and the diagnosis of APS patients using the Piedmont and Aosta Valley Rare Disease Registry. Secondly, to evaluate the individual impact of the diagnostic gap by gathering patients’ personal experiences through a self-administered questionnaire.ResultsData from the Piedmont and Aosta Valley Rare Disease Registry was used. In addition, personal experiences were analyzed through a self-administered questionnaire. A total of 740 APS patients included in the Piedmont and Aosta Valley Rare Disease Registry were analyzed. Diagnostic delay (as defined by time between symptoms’ occurrence and the diagnosis of APS) was significantly reduced over time. In particular, when comparing the diagnostic delay between patients diagnosed between 1983 and 1999 and patients diagnosed between 2000 and 2015, we found a significant statistical difference (Mann-Whithey U Test; mean rank 1216.6 vs. 1066.9, respectively; p < 0.0001). When analyzing the self-administered questionnaires, patients with a perception of having suffered for a diagnostic delay had a higher prevalence of symptoms suggestive of an autoimmune condition but not highly suggestive of APS (45%), followed by “extra criteria” APS manifestation (30%) and by thrombotic events (25%). The first clinical manifestation of patients who did not have the perception of having suffered a diagnostic delay was thrombotic events (45.5%), followed by autoimmune manifestation not linked to APS (45.5%), and “extra criteria” APS manifestations (9%).ConclusionsWhile the diagnostic delay of APS has been reduced during the last years, the time between symptoms occurrence and the diagnosis of rare diseases still represents a critical issue to be addressed in order to prevent major complications.

POS0172 THROMBIN GENERATION ASSAY AND LUPUS ANTICOAGULANT IDENTIFY DIFFERENT POPULATIONS OF PATIENTS WITH ANTIPHOSPHOLIPID ANTIBODIES

Background:Risk stratification in patients with antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) remains a clinical challenge [1].Objectives:We aimed to evaluate the role of Thrombin Generation Assay (TGA) in distinguishing various populations of aPL positive patients (with and without lupus anticoagulant - LA) and its association with β2GPI-dependent and anti-phosphatidyl-serine/prothrombin(aPS/PT) antibodies.Methods:One-hundred-and-eight patients were tested with TGA and divided as follows: 21 patients with aPS/PT IgG/IgM (Group 1), 29 with aβ2GPI IgG/IgM (Group 2), 31 with aPS/PT and aβ2GPI IgG/IgM (Group 3), 27 with aPS/PT and/or aβ2GPI IgM low-titers (Group 4). Table 1 resumes the clinical characteristics of the APS patients (excluding aPL asymptomatic). Thirty-one healthy donors (HDs) and 24 controls treated with VKA were also included.Results:The most deranged TGA and LA profile was observed in patients with both aPS/PT and aβ2GPI when compared to those with an isolated positivity for aPS/PT or aβ2GPI and patients with aPS/PT and/or aβ2GPI IgM at low titres (Figure 1). Similarly, patients with aPS/PT and/or aβ2GPI at medium/high titres presented with the higher rate of clinical manifestations.When comparing the TGA curves of APS patients, asymptomatic aPL positive (aPL+) subjects, HDs and controls treated with VKA, we observed that aPL+ patients (particularly those with a confirmed diagnosis of APS) showed a characteristic profile.Differences among groups were confirmed also when comparing APS clinical manifestations. When comparing Group 1 and Group 4 we found significant differences with respect to the number of thrombotic events (21vs.15,p&lt;0.05), the number of venous events (9vs.3,p&lt;0.05), the recurrence of thrombosis (19%vs.0%,p&lt;0.05). Group 2 and Group 4 showed differences in the occurrence of venous thromboses (50vs.20,p&lt;0.05), and in the occurrence of DVT (8vs.2,p&lt;0.05). Group 3 and Group 4, had higher number of thrombotic events (36vs15, p&lt;0.05), the occurrence and the number of venous events (46%-15vs20%-3,p&lt;0.05), the occurrence of TIA and DVT (4-11vs0-2,p&lt;0.05).When analysing the cumulative frequency of extra-criteria APS manifestations, Group 1,2 and 3 were comparable, while comparing Group 3 and those positive for aβ2GPI and/or aPS/PT IgM at low titres (Group 4) we found a statistically significant difference (71%vs13%,p&lt;0.05).Conclusion:TGA seems a valuable approach to stratify aPL+ patients according to their risk profile. The differences among groups and different populations of autoantibodies specificities obtained from this test can be considered a translational validation of the increased thrombotic risk of patients with triple or tetra aPL positivity.

Prognostic Accuracy of DSM-5 Attenuated Psychosis Syndrome in Adolescents: Prospective Real-World 5-Year Cohort Study.

There is limited research in adolescents at risk for psychosis. The new Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition attenuated psychosis syndrome (DSM-5 APS) criteria have not been validated in this group. We conducted a RECORD-compliant, real-world, prospective, 5-year cohort study addressing clinical profile, transition to psychosis, and prognostic accuracy of DSM-5 APS in help-seeking inpatient/outpatient adolescents accessing Children and Adolescent Neuropsychiatric services at IRCCS Mondino Foundation (Pavia, Lombardy, Italy) between 2012 and 2019. About 243 adolescents (31 early-onset psychosis [EOP]; 110 meeting DSM-5 APS criteria, DSM-5 APS; 102 not meeting psychotic or DSM-5 APS criteria, non-APS) were included. At baseline, DSM-5 APS adolescents (aged 15.4 ± 1.6) had on average 2.3 comorbid disorders (higher than EOP/non-APS, P < .001). DSM-5 APS adolescents had an intermediate psychopathological profile between non-APS/EOP (P < .001) and worsen Clinical Global Impression-Severity than non-APS (P < .001). DSM-5 APS functioning was intermediate between non-APS and EOP. 39.1% of DSM-5 APS were treated with psychotropic drugs (average = 64 days); 53.6% received psychotherapy. Follow-up of DSM-5 APS and non-APS groups lasted 33 and 26 months, respectively (median). The cumulative risk of transition at 1-5 years was 13%, 17%, 24.2%, 26.8%, and 26.8% in the DSM-5 APS group, 0%, 0%, 3.2%, 3.2%, and 3.2% in the non-APS group. The 5-year prognostic accuracy of the DSM-5 APS in adolescent was adequate (area under the curve = 0.77; Harrell's C = 0.736, 95%CI 0.697-0.775), with high sensitivity (91.3%) and suboptimal specificity (63.2%). The DSM-5 APS diagnosis can be used to detect help-seeking adolescents at risk of psychosis and predict their long-term outcomes. Future research should consolidate these findings.

Comparative analysis of prothrombotic activity in patients with myocardial infarction with non-obstructive and obstructive atherosclerotic lesions of the coronary arteries

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): The reported study was funded by RFBR, project number №19-315-90106 Aim To compare indicators of blood prothrombotic activity in patients with myocardial infarction with and without coronary arteries obstruction Material and methods. The study included 40 patients with AMI (19 patients in the main group and 21 patients in the control group). Three patients (15.7%) with acute myocarditis were excluded from the analysis. Hemostasiological and hematological blood tests were studied upon admission, on the 2nd, 4th, 7th days from hospitalization. Blood samples for protein C, antithrombin, von Willebrand factor (WF), plasminogen, homocysteine were performed on 4th ± 1 day from hospitalization. To determine the IgG / IgM antibodies to cardiolipin and β2-glycoprotein for the diagnosis of APS, the ORGENTEC Anti-β2-Glycoprotein I IgG / IgM ELISA enzyme immunoassay was used. Blood tests for lupus anticoagulant were performed using an ACL-Top 700 analyzer (Werfen) with HemosIL SynthASil dRVVT screen reagents / dRVVT confirm and with a SCT screen / SCT confirm quartz activator. Results In patients with MINOCA a statistically higher level of homocysteine (p = 0.03) and a lower level of plasminogen (p = 0.007) are determined. Protein C, antithrombin, WF the presence of lupus anticoagulant, antibodies to cardiolipin and β2-glycoprotein no differences between the groups were detected, p &amp;gt;0.05. MINOCA patients have a statistically higher platelet level on the 2nd and 4th day of AMI (p = 0.046 and p = 0.01 ) however the level of hemoglobin and hematocrit was statistically lower on the 4th day of AMI, (p = 0.008). In the main group, a moderate correlation was found between protein C and antithrombin (r = 0.65, p = 0.0001), antithrombin and von Willebrand factor (r = 0.54, p = 0.0001), between protein C and platelet level by 4th day (r = - 0.49, p = 0.04). In MINOCA patients a moderate negative correlation was found between homocysteine and plasminogen (r = -0.69, p = 0.002). In the control group, a high correlation was found between protein C and antithrombin (r = 0.96, p = 0.0001), a moderate correlation between protein C and plasminogen (r = 0.47, p = 0.03). In addition, a relationship was revealed between the presence of thrombosis according to ICAG data and the level of ejection fraction (r = 0.46, p = 0.04) in the control group, as well as between the presence of thrombosis and the level of fibrinogen upon admission (r = 0.55, p = 0.008). Conclusions Patients with MINOCA have a higher level of homocysteine and a lower level of plasminogen. For such indicators as protein C, antithrombin III, WF the presence of antibodies on the APS is not defined differences between groups. According to laboratory data patients with MINOCA showed higher levels of platelets but lower levels of hemoglobin and hematocrit in the early post-infarction period.

Síndrome antifosfolípido (SAF): diferencias clínicas e inmunoserológicas entre SAF primario y secundario en una cohorte colombiana

IntroductionAntiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by recurrent thrombosis that can affect the arterial and venous circulation. ObjectiveTo analyze the immunological and pharmacological differences, as well as the clinical outcomes of a cohort of patients with primary APS and secondary APS. Materials and methodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted that included 352 records of patients diagnosed with APS and treated between 2014 and 2018. A description is presented of the sociodemographic, clinical, and immunological profile of the population. A bivariate analysis performed using the chi-squared test to determine differences between groups with primary APS and secondary APS, and finally a multivariate analysis to search for associations with thrombotic clinical outcomes in patients with APS. ResultsThe mean age was 42.4±14 years, and 84.6% were females. Two-thirds (67.6%) of the patients had a diagnosis of primary APS, and 32.4% of secondary APS, of which 84% were associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Among the thrombotic events, the most frequent were deep vein thrombosis (17.3%) and stroke (9.9%). Obstetric events were frequent, with a prevalence of 39.4% for miscarriages. No differences were found in the sociodemographic or immunoserological profile when comparing the group of primary vs. secondary APS. Thrombotic events were more frequent in the primary APS group, although only pulmonary embolism reached statistical significance. There were no differences between the two groups as regards obstetric events, such as miscarriages. Women were found to be 5 times more likely to have a stroke and 3 times more to have deep vein thrombosis. The anti-β2GPI type IgM increased the probability of presenting miscarriages about 3 times in women with APS. ConclusionThe study contains one of the largest Colombian cohorts with APS reported so far, and although it is both clinically and sociodemographically similar to other cohorts, there is a higher prevalence of primary APS. There was a lower frequency of thrombotic complications compared to other cohorts. Patients with primary APS had a tendency to develop thrombosis, as has already been reported in the literature.

Prevalence, outcome and management of patients with SLE and secondary antiphospholipid antibody syndrome after aPL seroconversion.

The withdrawal of oral anticoagulation (OAC) in patients with SLE and secondary aPL syndrome (SAPS) who become seronegative has not been clearly investigated to date. Our aim was to evaluate the prevalence of aPL seroconversion and the prognosis of SLE patients with SAPS who withdrew OAC after aPL negativization. We retrospectively analysed data of all SLE patients (ACR criteria) with SAPS (Sydney criteria) prospectively followed-up in our clinic. aPL seroconversion was defined as negativization of lupus anticoagulant, aCL, and anti-β2glycoprotein-1 antibodies on two or more consecutive measurements, at least 12 weeks apart. OAC discontinuation was defined as the definitive withdrawal of all anticoagulants. Fifty-five out of 513 (10.7%) SLE patients had vascular SAPS. Sixteen patients (29.1%) became aPL seronegative during follow-up. Immunosuppressive therapy predicted aPL negativization (odds ratio 5.211, 95%CI 1.341, 20.243), whereas APS diagnosis prior to that of SLE (odds ratio 0.078, 95%CI 0.008, 0.799) and triple-positive profile (odds ratio 0.264, 95%CI 0.115, 0.609) were negative predictors of aPL negativization. OAC was discontinued in 13/55 patients (23.6%), after a median follow-up of 45 months (range 1-276) from aPL seroconversion. SLE-related modifiable risk factors for thrombosis were observed in 10/13 patients (77%) at the time of the thrombotic event. No thrombotic recurrences were observed during a mean follow-up time of 44 (19) months from OAC discontinuation. Our results suggest that OAC can be safely discontinued in SLE patients who became persistently seronegative for aPL, at least when aPL-related thrombotic events occurred in presence of other thrombotic risk factors.

Psychosocial burden in young patients with primary anti-phospholipid syndrome: an Italian nationwide survey (The AQUEOUS study).

The AQUEOUS (Anti-phospholipid syndrome: a QUEstionnaire for yOUng patientS) study aimed to assess how the diagnosis of primary anti-phospholipid syndrome (PAPS) affects the psychosocial status of young patients. Subjects with PAPS aged 18-45 years were invited to compile an ad hoc designed questionnaire and the Short Form-12 to assess quality of life (QoL). Ninety-two patients (83.7% females) were recruited in 10 Italian centres. Vascular and obstetric manifestations were equally represented. Nearly half of the patients perceived the need for psychological support, 89.2% when considering women after pregnancy complications. Social activities and working efficiency were reduced in APS patients, also intimacy was threatened. In all cases, fatigue appeared to be the main determinant. PAPS affected family planning, due to fears of treatment side-effects, disease hereditariness, inability to care for the newborn child. Fertility appeared to be conserved: the median time to pregnancy was 2 months; assisted reproduction techniques were pursued by 5 women. Our survey documented significantly lower rates of hospitalisation and learning disabilities in 51 children born after APS diagnosis as compared to 48 children born before. PAPS patients displayed lower QoL in physical and, to a greater extent, mental scores compared to the general Italian population. Both components were significantly lower in women and in patients with fatigue. The AQUEOUS study assessed for the first time the unmet needs of young PAPS patients, enabling the development of a future "youth-focused" strategy to reduce disease burden.

Pediatric APS: State of the Art.

The purpose of this report is to review recent research findings on APS in children and neonates. European evidence-based recommendations for diagnosis and treatment of pediatric APS has recently been published by the SHARE Initiative. Recent studies have shown a high prevalence of non-thrombotic manifestations in children with aPL, domains 4/5 specificity of 'innocent' anti-β2GPI antibodies in infants, and a higher risk for developmental delays and learning disabilities, hence, the need for neurodevelopmental monitoring in children born to mothers with APS. An International effort on creating a new diagnostic criteria for APS is underway. Pediatric APS is a rare disease with significant differences from the APS in adults. Majority of the children with persistently positive aPL do not develop thrombotic events; however, relatively higher proportion of thrombosis in children is related to aPL positivity compared to adults; this may partly be due to the absence of common pro-thrombotic "second-hit" risk factors of adults such as atherosclerosis and cigarette smoking. Diagnosis of APS in children may be delayed or missed when adult APS criteria are used, because in pediatric APS, non-thrombotic clinical manifestations such as thrombocytopenia, hemolytic anemia, and neurological disorders such as migraine, epilepsy, and chorea may precede thrombotic manifestations. Around 20% of the children initially diagnosed with primary APS eventually develop SLE. Neonatal APS is rare; however, the offspring of mothers with APS are at a higher risk for developmental delays and learning disabilities; prematurity and IUGR may increase this risk. Regular assessment of neurodevelopmental status of these children should be performed. Thrombosis is a rare event in the offspring of mothers with APS; anticoagulation of such infants is not recommended. An international effort to create a new diagnostic criteria for APS is underway.

Annexin-A5 resistance and non-criteria antibodies for the diagnosis of seronegative antiphospholipid syndrome.

In this study, we aimed to analyze the value of annexin-A5 anticoagulant ratio (A5R) and non-criteria antibodies for the diagnosis of APS in patients with clinicalseronegative APS. Three groups were defined, including 21 seronegative APS patients with unexplained obstetrical adverse events or thrombosis history, 15 confirmed APS patients with triple aPL positivity, and a control group of 20 healthy patients without any history of thrombosis or pregnancy complications. Seronegative APS patients have similar levels of A5R in comparison to healthy controls (202% [171%-238%] versus 191% [178%-221%]; p = 0.65), whereas triple-positive APS patients have significantly more reduced A5R in comparison to both seronegative and healthy patients (149% [138%-158%] versus 202% [171%-238%] and 191% [178%-221%], respectively, p < 0.001). The non-criteria aPL were found in 24% of seronegative APS: anti-PE IgM in 3 cases (14%) and anti-PS/PT IgG and anti-PS/PT IgM in 1 (5%) case each. The frequency of non-criteria APL was significantly more frequent in comparison to healthy controls (p = 0.048). All triple-positive APS patients have at least one non-criteria aPL, and the non-criteria aPL were significantly more frequent in these patients compared to seronegative APS and healthy controls (p < 0.001). Whereas A5R levels do not allow to discriminate seronegative APS from healthy controls, our results demonstrate that non-criteria aPL can helpto APS diagnosis in clinicalseronegative APS.Key points• Annexin-A5 resistance testing does not help for the diagnosis of seronegative APS.• The non-criteria antiphospholipid antibodies can contribute to APS diagnosis in patients without conventional antibodies.