Review in Brief: Lupus and Thrombosis

May 12, 2015

Thrombosis risk is increased in lupus, but not all patients are equal in this regard. This slide show summarizes the key points of a new systematic review on the topic that highlights risk assessment and treatment. Full text is available via hyperlinks in the captions.

The risk for developing a thrombotic event is higher in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, according to a new systematic review. The authors outline the pathophysiologic and clinical connections between thrombosis and SLE, and provide guidelines on how to treat the intersection of these two diseases.These slides briefly summarize the main points in the review. You can click through to full text of the review via the hyperlinks to the article title in the captions to each slide.

These slides summarize the following systematic review of managing and treating thrombosis risk in lupus: Bazzan M, Vaccarino A, and Marletto F. Systemic lupus erythematosus and thrombosis. Thrombosis Journal 2015; 13:16

SLE is a risk factor for both arterial and thrombotic events, a fact not included in diagnostic criteria. Bazzan M, Vaccarino A, and Marletto F. Systemic lupus erythematosus and thrombosis. Thrombosis Journal 2015; 13:16

Thrombotic events are strongly associated with antiphospholipid antibodies. Not all SLE patients have antiphospholipid antibodies, and vice versa. Bazzan M, Vaccarino A, and Marletto F. Systemic lupus erythematosus and thrombosis. Thrombosis Journal 2015; 13:16

Three laboratory tests define antiphospholipid syndrome Bazzan M, Vaccarino A, and Marletto F. Systemic lupus erythematosus and thrombosis. Thrombosis Journal 2015; 13:16

Three positive tests for antiphospholipid syndrome indicates the strongest prognostic value for thrombosis in patients with lupus. But clinical factors are also important. Bazzan M, Vaccarino A, and Marletto F. Systemic lupus erythematosus and thrombosis. Thrombosis Journal 2015; 13:16

Clinical criteria for antiphospholipid syndrome include prior thrombotic events and pregnancy losses. Bazzan M, Vaccarino A, and Marletto F. Systemic lupus erythematosus and thrombosis. Thrombosis Journal 2015; 13:16

About half of SLE patients die from cardiovascular causes, strongly linked to inflammatory and immunological mechanisms. Bazzan M, Vaccarino A, and Marletto F. Systemic lupus erythematosus and thrombosis. Thrombosis Journal 2015; 13:16

Other clinical risk factors include retinal vein occlusion, lupus nephropathy, and infectious episodes. All SLE patients are at higher risk during active phases of the disease. Bazzan M, Vaccarino A, and Marletto F. Systemic lupus erythematosus and thrombosis. Thrombosis Journal 2015; 13:16

Higher intensity and sometimes long-term anticoagulation therapy are recommended for patients with antiphospholipid syndrome who have experienced thrombotic events. Bazzan M, Vaccarino A, and Marletto F. Systemic lupus erythematosus and thrombosis. Thrombosis Journal 2015; 13:16

Low-dose aspirin or heparin prophylaxis is recommended for some patients with antiphospholipid syndrome. Bazzan M, Vaccarino A, and Marletto F. Systemic lupus erythematosus and thrombosis. Thrombosis Journal 2015; 13:16

Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome causes widespread thrombosis of the microcirculation. Recent aggressive treatments have achieved reductions in mortality from CAPS. Bazzan M, Vaccarino A, and Marletto F. Systemic lupus erythematosus and thrombosis. Thrombosis Journal 2015; 13:16