Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome: The Flow Cytometric Annexin A5 Competition Assay as a Diagnostic Tool.

Blood ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 110 (11) ◽  
pp. 3981-3981
Author(s):  
Aaron Tomer ◽  
Shira Bar-Lev ◽  
Stela Fleisher ◽  
Boris Shenkman ◽  
Michael Friger ◽  
...  

Abstract The mechanism underlying hypercoagulability in antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS) is uncertain. Here, we present a flow-cytometric assay (FCA) based on the hypothesis that anti-platelet-anionic-phospholipid autoantibodies (aPL) interfere with the activity of the natural anticoagulant protein annexin A5, thereby accelerating platelet procoagulant activity. This study assessed the clinical utility of the feasible FCA, which demonstrates the competition of the patient’s aPL with the binding of annexin A5 to the platelet-anionic-phospholipids, in the diagnosis of APS. Sixty-two (94%) of 66 APS patients, 20 (51%) of 39 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and two (4%) of 49 healthy individuals were positive by FCA. Compared with the anticardiolipin (aCL) assay, the relative sensitivity was 82% and the specificity 73∴3%. However, 19 (25%) aCL-negative patients were positive by FCA; 12 were positive for lupus-anticoagulant (LA). Compared with LA assay, the relative sensitivity was 85% and the specificity 72∴2%. However, 21 (26%) LA-negative patients were FCA-positive, 12 were positive for aCL. The FCA was particularly sensitive for APS patients with arterial (97∴0%) and gestational vascular complications (100%) with overall sensitivity of 95% and specificity of 97%. Our findings suggest that the FCA is practical, sensitive and specific for the detection of clinically relevant aPL in the diagnosis of APS.

Blood ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 106 (11) ◽  
pp. 4126-4126
Author(s):  
Aaron Tomer ◽  
Shira Barlev ◽  
Mahmoud Abu-Shakra ◽  
Boris Shenkman

Abstract A flow cytometric assay was developed for the determination of autoantibodies directed against platelet anionic-phospholipids in antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). The method is based on demonstrable competition between the placental anticoagulant protein I, annexin V, and the patients’ autoantibodies on the platelet anionic-phospholipids (the binding site for the prothrombinase complex; prothrombin, factors Va and Xa). The method is practical and rapid, uses readily available reagents, and standard equipment. Ninety-two plasma samples, 41 from patients with clinical diagnosis of APS, 27 from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and 24 from healthy individuals were analyzed. Thirty-five (85%) of patients with APS (either with or without SLE), 15 (94%) of patients with APS and SLE, and 20 (80%) of APS patients without SLE were positive. Nineteen (70%) out of 27 patients with SLE alone were also positive; of whom 15 (58%) were positive for either anti-cardiolipin antibody (ACL) or lupus anti-coagulant (LAC). Comparison with ACL showed 40 (93%) out of 43 patients positive for ACL were also positive by flow cytometry (FCM). However, 13 (48%) out of 27 patients negative for ACL were found positive by FCM. Seven of these patients have primary APS and 6 have SLE; 7 of whom were positive for LAC. Three (13%) out of the 24 control samples, all negative by FCM, were positive for ACL. Comparison with LAC showed 32 (91%) out of 35 patients positive for LAC also positive by FCM. Of 18 patients negative for LAC, 7 (39%) were negative and 11 (61%) were positive by FCM. Four of the 11 patients have a diagnosis of APS and 7 of SLE; 6 of whom were positive for ACL. None of the controls, all negative by FCM, was positive for LAC. In conclusion, the annexin V competitive flow cytometric assay for the determination of anti-platelet phospholipid autoantibodies maybe useful for the laboratory diagnosis of APS.


Blood ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 104 (11) ◽  
pp. 4042-4042
Author(s):  
Lisa Senzel ◽  
Xiao-Xuan Wu ◽  
Jacob Rand

Abstract Annexin A5 (A5) is a potent anticoagulant protein that crystallizes over phospholipid surfaces, shielding them from availability for coagulation enzyme reactions. The antiphospholipid antibody (aPL) syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune thrombophilia that is marked by the presence of antibodies against phospholipid-binding proteins and the paradoxical lupus anticoagulant phenomenon. aPL antibodies can promote coagulation by interfering with the crystallization of A5, thereby increasing the exposure of blood to thrombogenic anionic phospholipids. Since a flow cytometric assay for aPL measuring A5 binding to frozen thawed platelets was previously reported, we investigated whether phosphatidylserine-bound polystyrene beads could provide a robust platform for the assay. Beads were incubated with sera from patients with the aPL syndrome and from non-aPL controls. Fluorescence-tagged A5 was added and samples were analyzed by flow cytometry. Similarly treated beads were also used in coagulation assays to determine whether A5 anticoagulant function was also inhibited. Control sera permitted fluorescent labeling of nearly all beads. In contrast, sera from aPL syndrome patients produced a major population of unlabeled beads, sometimes accompanied by a minor population of labeled beads. 7 of 13 confirmed aPL syndrome patients, and 7 of 12 anticardiolipin antibody positive patients, demonstrated reduced A5 binding in this assay, while 10 of 10 healthy blood donor controls did not. Dilution of the aPL sera resulted in progressive increase of A5 binding. Reduction of A5 binding appeared to correlate with reduced A5 anticoagulant activity (r=0.42, n=33, p=.01). This assay shows promise for investigating the effects of aPL antibodies on A5 binding and for the clinical diagnosis of the aPL syndrome. Figure Figure Figure Figure


2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 431-439 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cathleen E Matrai ◽  
Jacob H Rand ◽  
Rebecca N Baergen

Introduction In pregnancy, the presence of preeclampsia (PEC), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and/or antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APLS) is characterized by poor obstetric outcomes, with potential adverse effects for both mother and fetus. Although the histopathologic changes observed in these entities have been well established, the pathogenic mediators associated with tissue injury are poorly understood. Methods Forty placentas were evaluated, including 10 patients with preeclampsia, 9 with SLE, 11 with APLS, and 10 disease-free controls. Each case was subjected to a panel of immunohistochemical markers including C3b, C4d, Annexin A5, and C5b-9. Staining was graded on intensity and distribution. Results C4d staining was distinctly different among disease groups and controls. Moreover, 6/10 PEC cases, 3/9 SLE cases, and 4/11 APLS cases showed at least focal staining for C4d. All controls were negative. Annexin A5 (AnxA5) staining showed intrinsic variability in all disease groups, while 10/10 controls showed diffuse, strong staining (2+ or 3+). C3b staining was heterogeneous among groups. Discussion Previously, antiphospholipid antibody (aPLA)-associated pregnancy complications have been thought to be a consequence of a unique aPLA-mediated pathogenic mechanism. However, the immunohistochemical similarity (increased complement and decreased AnxA5 staining) observed in placentas from patients with APLS, PEC, and SLE suggests that aPLA-associated pregnancy complications may reflect a more general autoimmune mechanism.


2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. e236592
Author(s):  
Ying Ling ◽  
Mary Jane Bell ◽  
Lisa Chodirker ◽  
Shirley Lake

A high functioning 74-year-old man with systemic lupus erythematosus presented to the emergency department with acute anxiety. He was found to have elevated cardiac enzymes and admitted to the cardiology service for investigation. In hospital, he developed an erythematous papular rash, and deteriorated to being somnolent and bedridden. He was found to have new multiterritory ischaemic strokes. It was eventually noted that he had persistent eosinophilia, present even on admission, which had been overlooked as the total leucocyte count was normal. Serology for antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS) was positive. He was diagnosed with hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) secondary to new APS, and responded to high-dose steroids. This case highlights the importance of fully evaluating a leucocyte differential to make a diagnosis of HES. We discuss the definition, clinical manifestations, diagnostic approach and management of this important condition.


1998 ◽  
Vol 79 (02) ◽  
pp. 282-285 ◽  
Author(s):  
Josep Ordi-Ros ◽  
Francesc Monegal-Ferran ◽  
Nuria Martinez ◽  
Fina Cortes-Hernandez ◽  
Miquel Vilardell-Tarres ◽  
...  

SummaryObjective: To evaluate the usefulness of IgA antiphospholipid antibodies as markers of thrombosis and/or antiphospholipid antibody syndrome. Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional study design in a tertiary, university-based, autoimmune reference hospital. Seven-hundred ninety-five patients classified into five different groups – autoimmune diseases (255), deep vein thrombosis (153), transitory ischemic attacks (108), obstetric complications (196), infectious diseases (83) and controls (81) – were tested for IgA, IgG and IgM aPL, and lupus anticoagulant. Plasma and serum samples were drawn for detection of aPL using an internationally standardized ELISA method and LA was carried out using coagulometric assays. Results: True IgA aPL were found only in two patients with systemic lupus erythematosus; these patients were also positive to IgG aPL. Conclusion: The incidence of true positivity to IgA anticardiolipin antibodies is extremely low. Their determination was not helpful in diagnosing the antiphospholipid syndrome or in explaining thrombotic events or aPL related manifestations – fetal loss – in the groups studied.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Myat Han Soe ◽  
Krishna Adit Agarwal ◽  
Alueshima Akough-Weir

Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (CAPS) is a rare but highly fatal clinical syndrome that occurs in up to 1% of patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). The diagnosis of CAPS is often delayed because its presentation with multiple organ thromboses can be confused with other thrombotic microangiopathies and severe sepsis. We report a case of CAPS in a patient with APS and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) presenting with thrombotic storm precipitated by trauma, cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, and noncompliance with anticoagulation therapy. Our case reflects the “two-hit hypothesis” of APS in which the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (first hit) increases the thrombophilic risk, and thromboses take place in the presence of another thrombophilic condition such as CMV infection in our case. In this case review, we discuss the diagnostic challenges and management of CAPS. In clinical practice, we aim to stress the importance of thorough evaluation and management of precipitating events such as infections in addition to timely diagnosis and treatment of this catastrophic clinical entity.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document