SLE and Thrombosis

Question 1

SLE and Thrombosis

Answer 1

Arterial thromboembolic events are increased in patients with SLE: increased risks for myocardial infarctions and strokes after adjustments for traditional risk factors.

Question 2

SLE and Thrombosis

Reported risks for arterial thromboembolic events:

Answer 2

Traditional factors: age, male gender, smoking, dyslipidemia, hypertension, obesity, hyperhomocysteinemia

Question 3

SLE and Thrombosis

Reported risks for arterial thromboembolic events:

Answer 3

Nontraditional factors: SLE disease duration, presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs), higher SLE damage scores, duration and cumulative dose of corticosteroid use

Question 4

SLE and Thrombosis

Answer 4

Reported risks for venous thromboembolic events: male gender, higher body mass index, aPL antibodies, low serum HDL cholesterol, hemolytic anemia, kidney disease

Question 5

SLE and Thrombosis

Answer 5

Leukopenia has been reported to be associated with a decreased risk of both arterial and venous thromboembolic events.

Question 6

SLE and Thrombosis

Answer 6

The coexistence of the 3 aPLs lupus anticoagulant, anticardiolipin, and anti-β2-glycoprotein I is especially high risk for thromboembolic events.

Question 7

SLE and Thrombosis

Answer 7

The use of antimalarials (hydroxychloroquine) is protective against both arterial and venous thromboembolic events. Adverse effects of antimalarials: retinopathy, cardiotoxicity, neuromyopathy, cutaneous hyperpigmentation, transamititis, and/or increased serum creatinine

Question 8

SLE and Thrombosis

Answer 8

The use of aspirin is inconclusive but warranted due to its low adverse effect profile.

Question 9

SLE and Thrombosis

Answer 9

Routine evaluation for other genetic conditions must also be considered (e.g., factor V Leiden, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, fibrinogen γ mutations).