The catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome 1996: acute multi-organ failure associated with antiphospholipid antibodies: a review of 31 patients.
Thirty one patients with antiphospholipid antibodies who developed multi-organ failure ("Catastrophic Antiphospholipid Syndrome") are reviewed. Thirteen suffered from a 'Primary' antiphospholipid syndrome, 13 from defined SLE, 4 from 'lupus-like' disease and one from rheumatoid arthritis. In more than one third precipitating factors were evident (e.g. infections, major/minor surgical procedures, oral contraceptives). Death occurred in 60% of patients from a variety of causes (myocardial failure, ARDS, CNS causes or, often a combination). Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation was present in 8 of 31 patients. Plasmapheresis appeared to be useful in several who had not responded to conventional therapy (e.g. IV heparin, steroids, immunosuppression).
Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town School of Medicine, South Africa.
R A
RA
Asherson
J C
JC
Piette
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D017152:Antibodies, Antiphospholipid / Q000502:physiology*; D016736:Antiphospholipid Syndrome / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009102:Multiple Organ Failure / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy
D017152:Antibodies, Antiphospholipid