Anticardiolipin antibodies in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection: characterization in relation to antiphospholipid syndrome

Autoimmune manifestations and direct-acting antiviral drugs in Egyptian patients with hepatitis C virus infection: A cohort study

ObjectivesTo investigate the clinical and serological features of autoimmunity with chronic hepatitis C virus infection before and after direct-acting antiviral therapy and assess their relation to treatment response.MethodsA prospective cohort study was performed in adult patients aged ≥18 years who had chronic hepatitis C virus infection, as confirmed by polymerase chain reaction, and were eligible for direct-acting antiviral therapy. Patients with rheumatological disease prior to the onset of hepatitis C virus infection, decompensated cirrhosis, or hepatocellular carcinoma were excluded. All patients were treated with sofosbuvir (400 mg once daily) plus daclatasvir (60 mg once daily) for 3 months. Patients were assessed before and 12 weeks after treatment.ResultsNinety patients completed the follow-up (66.7% females, 33.3% males, mean age: 49.2 ± 12.3 years); 85.55% of them had immune-mediated manifestations prior to direct-acting antiviral therapy. In patients with sustained virologic response, autoimmune manifestations persisted in 66 of the 71 (92.9%) patients with an observable rise in posttreatment erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein level (p > 0.01). The predictors of persistence of autoimmune manifestation were age ≥49 years (p = 0.009), female sex (p = 0.026), and tobacco use (p = 0.043).ConclusionDirect-acting antiviral drugs were not associated with a significant short-term change in the prevalence of autoimmune manifestations in patients who had hepatitis C virus infection with sustained virologic response.

Co-occurrence of anti-phospholipid syndrome and posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in a patient with Autoimmune hepatitis: A case report

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a neurological disease characterized by a variety of neurological findings, in accordance with radiological characteristics. PRES is commonly secondary to elevated BP and/or conditions such as autoimmune patients receiving immunosuppressive drugs. Our case involves a 36-year-old female with a history of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), who presented with sudden onset headaches from 3 weeks prior, and a single episode of seizure attack the morning before admission. In the initial examination she had highly elevated blood pressure (BP) (190/116). Her neurological examination revealed decline in force of limbs in addition to mild paresthesia. After primary stabilization, she underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging. Due to the clinical and radiological findings, the patient was diagnosed with PRES. In the following work-up of BP elevation, abdominopelvic sonography and subsequent computed tomography scan, multiple lesions were observed in spleen and both kidneys consistent with infarction. In further evaluation, Lupus-like anticoagulants were found to be elevated, which, in conjunction with the confirmed antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), suggested a possible role for APS-nephropathy as the missing link between PRES and APS. However, despite the role of an autoimmune disease in increasing the risk of developing other autoimmune conditions, APS and AIH have been rarely observed together. Our study indicates that developing APS in the context of AIH is a rare occurrence. However, APS could serve as a critical intermediary, potentially facilitating the onset of PRES despite lower BP.

Exploring the impact of acute viral exposure on clinical characteristics and antibody profiles in antiphospholipid syndrome: a study in CAPSTONE

The relationship between antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and acute viral infection, such as SARS-CoV-2, is unclear. This study aims to assess symptoms, antiphospholipid antibody (aPL) fluctuations, and complication risks in APS patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. APS patients from Peking Union Medical College Hospital during the COVID-19 outbreak (October-December 2022) were included. Age- and gender-matched APS patients without infection served as controls. Data on demographics, symptoms, treatments, and serum aPL levels were analyzed. Of 234 APS patients, 107 (45.7%) were infected with SARS-CoV-2. Typical symptoms included high fever (81.3%), cough/expectoration (70.1%), and pharyngalgia (52.3%). Age- and gender-based matching selected 97 patients in either infected or uninfected group. After infection, anti-β-2-glycoprotein I-IgG (aβ2GP1-IgG) increased from 4.14 to 4.18 AU/ml, aβ2GP1-IgM decreased from 9.85 to 7.38 AU/ml, and anticardiolipin-IgA (aCL-IgA) significantly increased with a median remaining at 2.50 APLU/ml. Lupus anticoagulants and other aPLs remained stable. Arterial thrombosis incidence increased from 18 (18.6%) to 21 (21.6%), while venous thrombosis incidence did not change. Additionally, 7 (6.5%) patients presented either new-onset or worsening thrombocytopenia, characterized by a significant decline in platelet count (no less than 10 × 109/L) within two weeks of SARS-CoV-2 infection, all of which recovered within 2 weeks. Acute SARS-CoV-2 infection may induce or worsen thrombocytopenia but does not substantially increase thrombotic events in APS. The process of SARS-CoV-2 infection was related to mild titer fluctuation of aβ2GP1-IgG, aβ2GP1-IgM and aCL-IgA in APS patients, necessitating careful monitoring and management.

Antiphospholipid antibodies in patients with stroke during COVID-19: A role in the signaling pathway leading to platelet activation

Background

Several viral and bacterial infections, including COVID-19, may lead to both thrombotic and hemorrhagic complications. Previously, it has been demonstrated an "in vitro" pathogenic effect of "antiphospholipid" antibodies (aPLs), which are able to activate a proinflammatory and procoagulant phenotype in monocytes, endothelial cells and platelets. This study analyzed the occurrence of aPL IgG in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) during COVID-19, evaluating the effect of Ig fractions from these patients on signaling and functional activation of platelets.

Materials and methods

Sera from 10 patients with AIS during COVID-19, 10 non-COVID-19 stroke patients, 20 COVID-19 and 30 healthy donors (HD) were analyzed for anti-cardiolipin, anti-β2-GPI, anti-phosphatidylserine/prothrombin and anti-vimentin/CL antibodies by ELISA. Platelets from healthy donors were incubated with Ig fractions from these patients or with polyclonal anti-β2-GPI IgG and analyzed for phospho-ERK and phospho-p38 by western blot. Platelet secretion by ATP release dosage was also evaluated.

Results

We demonstrated the presence of aPLs IgG in sera of patients with AIS during COVID-19. Treatment with the Ig fractions from these patients or with polyclonal anti-β2-GPI IgG induced a significant increase of phospho-ERK and phospho-p38 expression. In the same vein, platelet activation was supported by the increase of adenyl nucleotides release induced by Ig fractions.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the presence of aPLs in a subgroup of COVID-19 patients who presented AIS, suggesting a role in the mechanisms contributing to hypercoagulable state in these patients. Detecting these antibodies as a serological marker to check and monitor COVID-19 may contribute to improve the risk stratification of thromboembolic manifestations in these patients.

Epidemiology of Antiphospholipid Syndrome in the General Population

Purpose of Review

The epidemiology of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is poorly understood. Here, we review the current understanding of the epidemiology of antiphospholipid syndrome in the general population and the frequency of antiphospholipid antibodies in the general population in patients with obstetric morbidity, arterial events, and venous thromboembolism.

Recent Findings

There have been few population-based studies that estimated the prevalence and incidence of APS. The estimated incidence and prevalence among most these studies ranged between 1 and 2 cases per 100,000 and 40 and 50 cases per 100,000 respectively. The prevalence of antiphospholipid antibodies in patients with obstetric morbidity was 6–9%, while in arterial events and venous thromboembolism is 9–10%. However, this data remains limited. Mortality of patients with APS is 50–80% higher than the general population.

Summary

The epidemiology of APS has been difficult to elucidate. Population-based studies patients with diverse age, racial, and ethnic backgrounds are needed.

Zonal cortical scarring and tubular thyroidization in kidney biopsies of patients with SLE-histologic indicator for antiphospholipid antibodies

Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS) is an acquired prothrombotic autoimmune disease caused by the presence of antibodies against anionic phospholipids or plasma proteins bound to phospholipids on cell membranes. It can be a primary disease or secondary to other autoimmune diseases, most commonly systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Laboratory testing for antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) may be only transiently positive, so APS could be missed until a catastrophic thrombotic episode or pregnancy morbidity occurs. In the kidneys, this manifests as thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA), and patients present with hypertensive urgency and acute kidney injury. However, APS may not always have a catastrophic presentation but instead a more smoldering course. Kidney biopsy may not show obvious active TMA lesions but rather only chronic injury in the form of zonal cortical scarring and tubular thyroidization. Still, it may warrant anticoagulation therapy. So it is important to recognize this pattern of injury in the biopsy. Herein, we retrospectively study the correlation between presence of this histologic feature in kidney biopsies of SLE patients and positive aPL testing results (anticardiolipin antibodies and/or lupus anticoagulant). Kidney biopsies of SLE patients from 2004 to 2015 ( n = 186) were screened for presence or absence of zonal cortical scarring. Their electronic medical records were reviewed for aPL results. Our study showed low sensitivity (33%) but higher positive predictive value (62%), specificity (89%) and negative predictive value (71%). This histologic finding is therefore not a sensitive screening tool, but if present, greatly increases the likelihood of underlying aPL. We want to emphasize that recognition of this histologic feature in the biopsies of SLE patients is important so as not to miss the opportunity to treat with anticoagulation therapy and possibly slow down the chronic renal damage.

Risk of developing antiphospholipid antibodies following viral infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective The objective of this paper is to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on the risk of developing elevated antiphospholipid (aPL) antibodies and related thromboembolic and/or pregnancy events following a viral infection. Method We searched Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science, PubMed ePubs, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials through June 2016. Independent observational studies of elevated aPL antibodies in patients with a viral infection compared with controls or patients with lupus were included. Results We analyzed 73 publications for 60 studies. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) were most commonly reported. Compared with healthy controls, patients with HIV were more likely to develop elevated anticardiolipin (aCL) antibodies (risk ratio (RR) 10.5, 95% confidence interval (CI) 5.6-19.4), as were those with HCV (RR 6.3, 95% CI 3.9-10.1), hepatitis B virus (HBV) (RR 4.2, 95% CI 1.8-9.5), and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) (RR 10.9 95% CI 5.4-22.2). The only statistically significant increased risk for anti-β2-glycoprotein I (anti-β2-GPI) antibodies was observed in patients with HCV (RR 4.8 95% CI 1.0-22.3). Compared with patients with lupus, patients with HIV were more likely to develop elevated aCL antibodies (RR 1.8, 95% CI 1.3-2.6), and those with EBV, elevated anti-β2-GPI antibodies (RR 2.2, 95% CI 1.3-3.9). Thromboembolic events were most prevalent in patients with elevated aPL antibodies who had HCV (9.1%, 95% CI 3.0-18.1), and HBV (5.9%, 95% CI 2.0-11.9) infections, and pregnancy events were most prevalent in those with parvovirus B19 (16.3%, 95% CI 0.78-45.7). However, compared to virus-infected patients with negative aPL antibodies, the only statistically significant increased risk was observed in those with HCV and positive aPL. Conclusions Viral infection can increase the risk of developing elevated aPL antibodies and associated thromboembolic events. Results are contingent on the reported information.

Serum Biomarkers for Discrimination between Hepatitis C-Related Arthropathy and Early Rheumatoid Arthritis

In the present study, we aimed to estimate the concentrations of cytokines (interleukin 6, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, TNF-α) and auto-antibodies (rheumatoid factor IgM isotype, IgM-RF, antinuclear auto-antibodies, ANA, anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies IgG isotype, IgG anti-CCP3.1, anti-cardiolipin IgG isotype, IgG anti-aCL) in serum of patients with eRA (early rheumatoid arthritis) and HCVrA (hepatitis C virus-related arthropathy) and to assess the utility of IL-6, TNF-α together with IgG anti-CCP and IgM-RF in distinguishing between patients with true eRA and HCVrA, in the idea of using them as differential immunomarkers. Serum samples were collected from 54 patients (30 diagnosed with eRA-subgroup 1 and 24 with HCVrA-subgroup 2) and from 28 healthy control persons. For the evaluation of serum concentrations of studied cytokines and auto-antibodies, we used immunoenzimatique techniques. The serum concentrations of both proinflammatory cytokines were statistically significantly higher in patients of subgroup 1 and subgroup 2, compared to the control group (p < 0.0001). Our study showed statistically significant differences of the mean concentrations only for ANA and IgG anti-CCP between subgroup 1 and subgroup 2. We also observed that IL-6 and TNF-α better correlated with auto-antibodies in subgroup 1 than in subgroup 2. In both subgroups of patients, ROC curves indicated that IL-6 and TNF-α have a higher diagnostic utility as markers of disease. In conclusion, we can say that, due to high sensitivity for diagnostic accuracy, determination of serum concentrations of IL-6 and TNF-α, possibly in combination with auto-antibodies, could be useful in the diagnosis and distinguishing between patients with true eRA and HCV patients with articular manifestation and may prove useful in the monitoring of the disease course.

Thrombocytopenia in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection

Thrombocytopenia in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major problem. The pathophysiology is multifactorial, with auto-immunogenicity, direct bone marrow suppression, hypersplenism, decreased production of thrombopoietin and therapeutic adverse effect all contributing to thrombocytopenia in different measures. The greatest challenge in the care of chronic HCV patients with thrombocytopenia is the difficulty in initiating or maintaining IFN containing anti-viral therapy. Although at present, it is possible to avoid this challenge with the use of the sole Direct Antiviral Agents (DAAs) as the primary treatment modality, thrombocytopenia remains of particular interest, especially in cases of advanced liver disease. The increased risk of bleeding with thrombocytopenia may also impede the initiation and maintenance of different invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. While eradication of HCV infection itself is the most practical strategy for the remission of thrombocytopenia, various pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapeutic options, which vary in their effectiveness and adverse effect profiles, are available. Sustained increase in platelet count is seen with splenectomy and splenic artery embolization, in contrast to only transient rise with platelet transfusion. However, their routine use is limited by complications. Different thrombopoietin analogues have been tried. The use of synthetic thrombopoietins, such as recombinant human TPO and pegylated recombinant human megakaryocyte growth and development factor (PEG-rHuMDGF), has been hampered by the development of neutralizing antibodies. Thrombopoietin-mimetic agents, in particular, eltrombopag and romiplostim, have been shown to be safe and effective for HCV-related thrombocytopenia in various studies, and they increase platelet count without eliciting any immunogenicity Other treatment modalities including newer TPO analogues-AMG-51, PEG-TPOmp and AKR-501, recombinant human IL-11 (rhIL-11, Oprelvekin), recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO), danazol and L-carnitine have shown promising early result with improving thrombocytopenia. Thrombocytopenia in chronic HCV infection remain a major problem, however the recent change in DAAs without IFN, as the frontline therapy for HCV, permit to avoid the dilemmas associated with initiating or maintaining IFN based anti-viral therapy.

Late-Onset Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura After Withdrawal of Interferon Treatment for Chronic Hepatitis C Infection: A Case Report

Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a life-threatening complication following pegylated interferon alpha (PEG-IFN) plus ribavirin treatment, the standard treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. We reported a rare case with late-onset ITP after withdrawal of PEG-IFN treatment.A 53-year-old male with hepatitis C developed massive gum bleeding and a severe, reversible, immune thrombocytopenia 2 weeks after cessation of PEG-IFN treatment for HCV due to anemia and depression. The platelet count decreased to 4000 cells/μL. The HCV viral load was undetectable at the end of PEG-IFN treatment and during follow-up for 5 months. Other potential autoimmune disorders were ruled out. Late-onset ITP associated with PEG-IFN treatment was diagnosed.The patient was treated successfully with steroid and azathioprine. Platelet count gradually increased to 117 × 10 cells/μL on the 18th day after admission.ITP is a rare complication in patients with hepatitis C or in patients who received PEG-IFN treatment. The particular case supported that it may occur even after withdrawal of PEG-IFN treatment. Physicians should be aware of this late-onset complication.

Antiphospholipid syndrome, antiphospholipid antibodies and solid organ transplantation

Antiphospholipid syndrome is considered a high risk factor for any kind of surgery. Considering that all solid organ transplants are critically dependent on the patency of vascular anastomosis, there is much concern about the consequences this pro-thrombotic condition may have on transplantation. Relatively little information is available in the literature assessing the real risk that antiphospholipid syndrome or the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies represent in solid organ transplantation. The aim of this article is to review the literature related to transplantation of solid organs in patients diagnosed with antiphospholipid syndrome or patients with positive antiphospholipid antibodies.

Viral hepatitis and anti-phospholipid antibodies positivity: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Anti-phospholipid antibodies positivity is associated with several clinical conditions, including infectious diseases.

AIMS

We performed a meta-analysis evaluating the association of hepatitis B and C with anti-phospholipid antibody positivity and with anti-phospholipid antibody-related thrombotic complications.

METHODS

Studies evaluating the association of viral hepatitis with anti-cardiolipin, anti-β2 glycoprotein-I and lupus anticoagulant antibodies and anti-phospholipid antibody-related thrombotic events were systematically searched.

RESULTS

20 studies (2319 cases, 1901 controls) were included. The analyses showed that viral hepatitis is associated with the presence of anti-cardiolipin and anti-β2 glycoprotein-I antibodies. The association with anticardiolipin antibodies was confirmed in both hepatitis B (OR 11.22, 95% CI: 6.68-18.84) and hepatitis C (OR 11.26, 95% CI: 6.82-18.59). Similarly, compared to controls, anti-β2 glycoprotein-I antibodies were found more frequently in hepatitis B (OR 14.07, 95% CI: 3.06-64.66) and hepatitis C (OR 5.64, 95% CI: 1.69-18.77). Moreover, 11 studies (257 cases, 1079 controls) showed a higher prevalence of venous and/or arterial thrombosis in patients with hepatitis and anti-cardiolipin antibody positivity compared hepatitis alone (OR 3.29, 95% CI: 1.79-6.07). This result was consistently confirmed in hepatitis C (OR 3.64, 95% CI: 1.78-7.46) but not in hepatitis B.

CONCLUSIONS

Viral hepatitis is significantly associated with anti-phospholipid antibody positivity and with anti-phospholipid antibody-related thrombotic complications.

Associations of antiphospholipid antibodies with splanchnic vein thrombosis: a systematic review with meta-analysis

Splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT) refers to Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) and portal vein system thrombosis (PVST). Current practice guidelines have recommended the routine screening for antiphospholipid antibodies (APAs) in patients with SVT. A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies was performed to explore the association between APAs and SVT. The PubMed, EMBASE, and ScienceDirect databases were searched for all relevant papers, in which the prevalence of positive APAs or levels of APAs should be compared between BCS or noncirrhotic PVST patients versus healthy controls, or between cirrhotic patients with portal vein thrombosis (PVT) versus those without PVT. Fourteen studies were eligible. Only 1 study evaluated the role of APAs in BCS patients and found that positive immunoglobulin (Ig) G anticardiolipin antibody (aCL) was more frequently observed in BCS patients than in healthy controls; however, the associations of other APAs with BCS were not evaluated. Positive IgG aCL was more frequently observed in noncirrhotic patients with PVST than in healthy controls; however, other APAs, such as IgM aCL, lupus anticoagulants (LAs), anti-β2-glycoprotein-I antibody (aβ2GPI), and aβ2GPI-oxidized low-density lipoprotein antibody (ox-LDL) were not associated with noncirrhotic PVST. Positive unclassified aCL was more frequently observed in cirrhotic patients with PVT than in those without PVT; however, the association of IgG aCL and IgM aCL with the development of PVT in liver cirrhosis remained inconsistent among studies. The risk of BCS and noncirrhotic PVST might be increased by positive IgG aCL but not IgM aCL, LA, aβ2GPI, or aβ2GPI ox-LDL. However, the evidence regarding APAs in BCS originated from only 1 study. The association between APAs and PVT in liver cirrhosis was unclear.

Immune Components of Liver Damage Associated with Connective Tissue Diseases

Autoimmune connective tissue diseases are associated with liver abnormalities and often have overlapping pathological and clinical manifestations. As a result, they can present great clinical challenges and evoke questions about diagnostic criteria for liver diseases. Moreover, discriminating between liver involvement as a manifestation of connective tissue disease and primary liver disease can be challenging since they share a similar immunological mechanism. Most patients with connective tissue diseases exhibit liver test abnormalities that likely result from coexisting, primary liver diseases, such as fatty liver disease, viral hepatitis, primary biliary cirrhosis, autoimmune hepatitis, and drug-related liver toxicity. Liver damage can be progressive, leading to cirrhosis, complications of portal hypertension, and liver-related death, and, therefore, must be accurately identified. In this review, we highlight the challenges facing the diagnosis of liver damage associated with connective tissue disease and identify immune mechanisms involved in liver damage associated with connective tissue diseases.

Clinical relevance of antibodies to cardiolipin in patients with chronic hepatitis C

The significance of antibodies to cardiolipin (anti-CL) remains uncertain in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CH-C). The main purpose of this study was to elucidate the clinical characteristics of patients with CH-C seropositive for anti-CL. The prevalence of anti-CL and clinical parameters associated with anti-CL in those patients were examined. Six of the 45 (13%) patients with CH-C had anti-CL. However, none of these six CH-C patients fulfilled the criteria for antiphospholipid syndrome. Serum triglyceride and apolipoprotein B (ApoB) levels in CH-C patients with anti-CL were significantly higher than those in CH-C patients without anti-CL. Serum triglyceride levels positively correlated with serum ApoB levels. CH-C patients with anti-CL had significantly more progressive hepatic fibrosis than those without anti-CL. The degree of 8-hydroxy 2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) expression in the liver tissue was more severe in CH-C patients with anti-CL than in those without it. However, the emergence of anti-CL in CH-C patients was independent of insulin resistance, hepatic steatosis, and iron overload. These findings suggest that the emergence of anti-CL is associated with oxidative stress and that CH-C patients seropositive for anti-CL have clinical characteristics of hypertriglyceridemia, which derives from the facilitation of ApoB synthesis, and progressive hepatic fibrosis.

Autoantibodies in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection: pitfalls for the diagnosis of rheumatic diseases

Hepatitis C virus infection (HCV) is one of the best mimes in medicine. About 40-70% of patients suffering from this disorder develop at least one extra-hepatic disorder that can have a rheumatic nature (arthralgias, arthritis, vasculitis and sicca syndrome) and must be differentiated from the primitive rheumatic diseases. In addition, HCV infection can also alter the laboratory tests. Several alterations of first line laboratory tests can be usually found in both chronic HCV infection and chronic inflammatory rheumatic disorders. In the present review we analyze the interference of HCV in tests more specifically used in rheumatology: rheumatoid factor and other autoantibodies (ANA, anti-ENA, ANCA, anti-DNA, antiphospholipid, anti-CCP). In patients suffering from HCV infection, the diagnosis of connective tissue diseases (CTD) or rheumatoid arthritis (RA) should be made only when the detected symptoms or laboratory data are not inducible by HCV, otherwise only a diagnosis of "possible CTD" or "possible RA" should be considered.

Characterization of antiphospholipid antibodies in chronic hepatitis B infection

BACKGROUND

Many infections are associated with antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs). The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence, persistence, clinical significance, and characteristics of aPLs in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-infected patients.

METHODS

This study included 143 patients with HBV infection and 32 healthy individuals as controls. The presence of anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL Ab), anti-β(2)-glycoprotein I antibodies (β(2)GPI Ab), and lupus anticoagulant (LA) was assessed.

RESULTS

The total prevalence of aPLs in HBV-infected patients was 12.6% (18 of 143). Of these 18 patients, 15 had low to medium titers of aCL Ab (10 with IgM, 4 with IgG, and 1 with both isotypes). β(2)GPI Ab and LA were detected in 3 (2.1%) and 2 (1.4%) patients with HBV infection, respectively. In follow-up specimens from 14 patients with elevated levels of aCL Ab or β(2)GPI Ab, 10 (71.4%) showed the persistent presence of aPLs. No clinical manifestations related to aPLs were identified.

CONCLUSION

In HBV-infected patients, the most frequently detected antiphospholipid antibodies were IgM aCL Ab, which have a weak association with the clinical manifestations of APS. Unlike the transient presence reported for other infection-associated aPLs, most aPLs were persistently detected over a 12-week period in patients with HBV infection.

Prevalence of thrombocytopenia among patients with chronic hepatitis C: a systematic review

Thrombocytopenia (TCP) is a haematological condition known to occur in chronically infected hepatitis C (HCV) patients and may interfere with diagnostic procedures, such as liver biopsy, because of risk of bleeding. It may also exclude patients from effective antiviral treatment. We conducted a systematic literature review of articles and conference abstracts, to assess the prevalence of TCP among those with HCV and to describe demographics, liver disease stage and treatment characteristics of these patients. Studies of individuals with confirmed chronic HCV infection were included in the review if the study had a clear definition of thrombocytopenia and a sample size of at least 50 subjects. The final selection included 27 studies (21 articles and six abstracts). The definitions of thrombocytopenia varied between studies and were based either on platelet counts, with threshold levels ranging between ≤ 100 × 10(9) and ≤ 180 × 10(9) /L, or on criteria set in haematological guidelines. The prevalence of TCP ranged from 0.16% to 45.4% and more than half of the studies reported a TCP prevalence of 24% or more. Because of the different TCP definitions, heterogeneity in study design and insufficient data on study characteristics such as age, gender, HCV treatment rates and disease severity an overall summary estimate of TCP prevalence among patients with HCV was not feasible. However, the relatively large prevalence in the majority of the studies suggests that there may be a substantial number of HCV patients at risk of bleeding complications and reduced likelihood of successful HCV antiviral treatment.

Antiphospholipid antibodies and antiphospholipid syndrome: role in portal vein thrombosis in patients with and without liver cirrhosis

The antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) has been associated with portal vein thrombosis (PVT). This study explored the contribution of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) to PVT in cirrhotic and noncirrhotic patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 50 patients with liver cirrhosis and PVT, 50 patients with liver cirrhosis without PVT, 50 consecutive PVT without liver cirrhosis, and 50 controls. aPL tests: lupus anticoagulants (LAs), immunoglobulin G (IgG) anti-cardiolipin antibodies (aCL), IgG anti-beta-2-glycoprotein-I (β(2)GPI), and IgG β( 2)GPI-complexed with oxidized low-density lipoprotein antibodies (ox-LDL).

RESULTS

Lupus anticoagulants were negative in all patients. A titre of IgG aCL >40 IgG phospholipid units (GPL) was present in 2% of patients with liver cirrhosis and in none of the other groups. In all, 4% of patients with PVT without cirrhosis were positive for IgG β(2)GPI in the absence of any other positive aPL and labelled as primary APS.

CONCLUSIONS

aPL play no role in PVT associated with liver cirrhosis but can be tested in idiopathic PVT.

Thrombotic risk factors and liver histologic lesions in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The pathogenetic mechanisms of development of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and fibrosis are not clear, although thrombosis of small intrahepatic veins has been suggested to trigger liver tissue remodelling and thrombotic risk factors have been associated with more advanced fibrosis in chronic viral hepatitis (CVH). We evaluated the prevalence of thrombotic risk factors (RFs) in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and their possible association with fatty liver or NASH.

METHODS

We included 60 patients with histologically documented NAFLD and a historical cohort of 90 patients with chronic hepatitis B (n=39) or C (n=51). Thrombophilic factors were evaluated on the day of the liver biopsy.

RESULTS

One or more thrombotic RFs were detected in 37% of NAFLD patients, and >or= 2 RFs were detected in 12% of NAFLD patients, being less frequently present than in CVH patients (37% and 68%, respectively; P <or= 0.001). Among NAFLD cases, one or more thrombotic RFs were significantly more frequently present in NASH than simple fatty liver (56% vs. 8%; odds ratio [OR]: 13.8, 2.8-67.4, P<0.001). In multivariate analysis, NASH was independently associated with moderate to severe steatosis (adjusted OR: 24.3; P=0.001) and the presence of one or more thrombotic RFs (adjusted OR: 38.7; P=0.002). Fibrosis stage was worse in NASH patients with than without thrombotic RFs (2.5+/-1.1 vs. 1.3+/-1.1; P=0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Thrombotic RFs are frequently present in patients with NAFLD and are associated with NASH and more advanced fibrosis. Such an association may have significant clinical implications, even though it is not clear yet whether it represents a primary or secondary phenomenon.

Antiphospholipid syndrome during pegylated interferon alpha-2a therapy for chronic hepatitis C

A great variety of autoimmune side effects have been reported during interferon alpha therapy. The presence of anticardiolipin antibodies during interferon alpha therapy in chronic hepatitis C has also been reported. There are no reports on the occurrence of antiphospholipid syndrome in patients with chronic hepatitis C while on pegylated interferon alpha therapy. We report a case of a 46-year-old man who developed antiphospholipid syndrome 12 weeks after starting pegylated interferon alpha plus ribavirin for chronic hepatitis C. The clinical presentation of antiphospholipid syndrome was primary adrenal insufficiency secondary to bilateral adrenal haematoma and subclavian vein thrombosis. A pathogenic role of pegylated interferon alpha as a trigger factor for antiphospholipid syndrome development is suggested.

Infections and the antiphospholipid syndrome

Currently, the origin of autoimmune diseases is considered to be multifactorial. Genetic predisposition, immune system malfunction or even backfire, hormonal regulation, and environmental factors, i.e. infections, all play important roles in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases such as the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). New drugs and strategies aimed at preventing infections could further improve the outcome of APS and other autoimmune diseases.

[Antiphospholipid antibodies, antiphospholipid syndrome and viral infections]

Since the association between antiphospholipid antibodies and syphilis was first described, many other viral, bacterial and parasitic infections have been shown to induce antiphospholipid antibodies, notably anticardiolipin antibodies. These aPL are usually associated neither with anti-beta2 glycoprotein I antibodies (anti-beta2-GPI) nor with thrombotic events, even if cases of arterial and deep venous thrombosis have been reported in such circumstances. A literature review shows that anticardiolipin antibodies occur frequently in viral infections, particularly in HIV (49.8%), HBV (24%) and HCV (20%). The prevalence of anti-beta2 glycoprotein I antibodies (anti-beta2GPI) is lower (HCV: 1.7%, HIV: 5.6%, HBV: 3.3%) and there is no demonstrated association with a risk of thrombotic events or hematological manifestations defining antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). Regarding other viral infections, including viral hepatitis A, herpes virus (CMV, EBV, VZV), parvovirus B19 and HTLV-1 infections, only a few studies are available but data confirm the high prevalence of antiphospholipid antibodies at the acute phase. Finally, antiphospholipid antibodies, mainly anticardiolipin, are frequently associated with viral infections. Their presence may probably reflect an intense or chronic antigenic stimulation of the immune system. However, their evolution under antiviral therapy and correlation with the quality of the virological control and/or the immune restoration remain to be determined.

The antiphospholipid syndrome and infections in a child with trisomy 21

The relationship between infections and antiphospholipid antibodies or antiphospholipid syndrome is an intriguing question. A two and a half year old child with trisomy 21, who suffered three severe episodes of thrombosis each taking place after an infection, is described here. As high titres of IgG anticardiolipin (ACL) antibodies was registered during the second and third episodes, the antiphospholipid syndrome was suspected. IgM as well as IgG and IgA ACL antibodies have been described at different titres in a wide variety of infections, although they are not usually associated with thrombosis. In this particular case the timing of events and their association with high IgG ACL antibody titres seemed to implicate infection in the pathogenesis of the antiphospholipid syndrome. It can be hypothesized that some infections not only "trigger" antiphospholipid antibody production, but--in genetically predisposed subjects--can induce the clinical manifestations of the antiphospholipid syndrome.

Antiphospholipid syndromes in infectious diseases

Antiphospholipid antibodies are essential in the diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), or the classic "Hughes syndrome," which is a systemic disorder that is autoimmune in nature. They are also found in various infections in low titers without any evidence of thrombotic manifestations of APS. However, in a few infections, when antiphospholipid antibodies are associated with protein cofactor, there can be associated thrombosis. Different infections are also responsible for triggering a subset of lethal APS, acute catastrophic APS. This situation requires prompt diagnosis and aggressive treatment of the infection to prevent severe complications.

Chronic hepatitis C virus infection: Prevalence of extrahepatic manifestations and association with cryoglobulinemia in Bulgarian patients

AIM: To assess the prevalence of extrahepatic manifestations in Bulgarian patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and identify the clinical and biological manifestations associated with cryoglobulinemia.

METHODS: The medical records of 136 chronically infected HCV patients were reviewed to assess the prevalence of extrahepatic manifestations. Association between cryoglobulin-positivity and other manifestations were identified using χ² and Fisher’s exact test. Risk factors for the presence of extrahepatic manifestations were assessed by logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS: Seventy six percent (104/136) of the patients had at least one extrahepatic manifestation. Clinical manifestations included fatigue (59.6%), kidney impairment (25.0%), type 2 diabetes (22.8%), paresthesia (19.9%), arthralgia (18.4%), palpable purpura (17.6%), lymphadenopathy (16.2%), pulmonary fibrosis (15.4%), thyroid dysfunction (14.7%), Raynaud’s phenomenon (11.8%), B-cell lymphoma (8.8%), sicca syndrome (6.6%), and lichen planus (5.9%). The biological manifestations included cryoglobulin production (37.5%), thrombocytopenia (31.6%), and autoantibodies: anti-nuclear (18.4%), anti-smooth muscle (16.9%), anti-neutrophil cytoplasm (13.2%) and anti-cardiolipin (8.8%). All extrahepatic manifestations showed an association with cryoglobulin-positivity, with the exception of thyroid dysfunction, sicca syndrome, and lichen planus. Risks factors for the presence of extrahepatic manifestations (univariate analysis) were: age ≥ 60 years, female gender, virus transmission by blood transfusions, longstanding infection (≥ 20 years), and extensive liver fibrosis. The most significant risks factors (multivariate analysis) were longstanding infection and extensive liver fibrosis.

CONCLUSION: We observed a high prevalence of extrahepatic manifestations in patients with chronic HCV infection. Most of these manifestations were associated with impaired lymphoproliferation and cryoglobulin production. Longstanding infection and extensive liver fibrosis were significant risk factors for the presence of extrahepatic manifestations in HCV patients.

Antiphospholipid antibodies, antiphospholipid syndrome and infections

Since the association between antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) and syphilis was first described, many other viral, bacterial and parasitic infections have been shown to induce antiphospholipid antibodies, notably anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL). A review of the literature shows that while aCL occur frequently in viral infections, particularly in HIV (49.75%), HBV (24%) and HCV (20%), it is very rarely associated with anti-beta2 glycoprotein I antibodies (anti-beta2GPI) and is not correlated with thrombosis risk or hematological manifestations of the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). Concerning bacterial infections, aCL is often present in leprosy (42.7%), where it is frequently associated with the presence of anti-beta2GPI (44.8%), and in syphilis infections (8 to 67%), though without correlation with thrombotic events. Though few individual patients with unequivocal infection-induced aPL satisfy criteria for APS, the lack of statistical association with thrombotic events strongly argues against the identification of a true APS subset in this context. However, physicians should keep in mind the fact that an infection, generally bacterial, in patients with confirmed APS, may lead to catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome with a possible fatal outcome.

Antiphospholipid antibodies in response to infection

An association between infections and antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) has been reported in several epidemiologic and experimental studies. Infection-induced aPL have been traditionally regarded as transient and were generally not associated with clinical features of antiphospholipid syndrome. The distinction between autoimmune and postinfectious aPL on the basis of requirement of binding cofactor is not absolute, and in recent years, several reports demonstrated that some patients can produce pathogenic antibodies in response to infection. Infections most frequently associated with antiphospholipid syndrome include parvovirus B19, cytomegalovirus, varicella-zoster virus, HIV, streptococcal and staphylococcal infections, gram-negative bacteria, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae.

Anti-cardiolipin and increased serum adhesion molecule levels in patients with aggressive periodontitis

BACKGROUND

We observed that a significant proportion of patients with periodontitis have elevated serum levels of beta2-glycoprotein-I-dependent anti-cardiolipin (anti-CL). These prothrombotic autoantibodies, commonly found to be elevated in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and the antiphospholipid syndrome, are associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as fetal involution, prematurity, and low birth weight, and with cardiovascular sequelae, such as atherosclerosis, stroke, and myocardial infarction. Anti-CL is known to promote vascular inflammation and thrombosis.

METHODS

We measured serum levels of markers of vascular inflammation, including soluble intercellular adhesion molecule (sICAM)-1, soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule (sVCAM)-1, and sE-selectin, in 190 subjects with generalized aggressive or chronic periodontitis and in 90 periodontally healthy subjects.

RESULTS

sVCAM-1 and sE-selectin levels were significantly higher in patients with elevated anti-CL (>15 U/ml). This relationship also was observed in the never-smoker subset of subjects, even after correction for demographic and periodontal variables. Within the diagnostic categories, sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, and sE-selectin were significantly higher in generalized aggressive periodontitis patients who had elevated anti-CL compared to those with normal anti-CL. Statistical correction for demographic and periodontal variables indicated that elevated anti-CL remained significantly associated with increased sVCAM-1 and sE-selectin in generalized aggressive periodontitis patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Systemic markers of vascular inflammation in patients with aggressive periodontitis are associated with elevated levels of anti-CL. We hypothesize that a subset of periodontitis patients with elevated antiphospholipid antibodies could represent a subgroup at increased risk for obstetrical and cardiovascular sequelae.

Antiphospholipid reactivity against cardiolipin metabolites occurring during endothelial cell apoptosis

We have recently shown that cardiolipin (CL) and its metabolites move from mitochondria to other cellular membranes during death receptor-mediated apoptosis. In this study, we investigate the immunoreactivity to CL derivatives occurring during endothelial apoptosis in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We compared the serum immunoreactivity to CL with that of its derivatives monolysocardiolipin (MCL), dilysocardiolipin (DCL), and hydrocardiolipin (HCL) by means of both enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and thin-layer chromatography (TLC) immunostaining. In addition, we investigated the composition of phospholipid extracts from the plasma membrane of apoptotic endothelial cells and the binding of patients' sera to the surface of the same cells by using high-performance TLC and immunofluorescence analysis. The average reactivity to MCL was comparable with that of CL and significantly higher than that for DCL and HCL in patients studied, both in the presence or in the absence of beta₂-glycoprotein I. Of relevance for the pathogenic role of these autoantibodies, immunoglobulin G from patients' sera showed an increased focal reactivity with the plasma membrane of endothelial cells undergoing apoptosis. Interestingly, the phospholipid analysis of these light membrane fractions showed an accumulation of both CL and MCL. Our results demonstrated that a critical number of acyl chains in CL derivatives is important for the binding of antiphospholipid antibodies and that MCL is an antigenic target with immunoreactivity comparable with CL in APS and SLE. Our finding also suggests a link between apoptotic perturbation of CL metabolism and the production of these antibodies.

Accidents vasculaires cérébraux révélant un syndrome catastrophique des anti-phospholipides associé à une hépatite virale C

INTRODUCTION

Very little cases of antiphospholipid syndrome (APLS) have been described among patients having chronic hepatitis C virus infection (HCV).

CASE REPORT

We report the observation of a 43-year-old woman who presented APLS diagnosed following recurrent strokes. Etiological investigations concluded on an association of APLS with HCV infection.

DISCUSSION

Besides being exceptional, this association raises certain etiopathogenic problems. Indeed while antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) are frequently noted during chronic hepatitis C, they rarely generate thromboembolic complications.

Multiple small pulmonary emboli associated with transient antiphospholipid syndrome in human Parvovirus B19 infection

Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) have been reported to occur in several conditions other than antiphospholipid syndrome, including infections. We herein report the case of a 21-year-old Japanese woman with Parvovirus B19 infection, who developed multiple pulmonary emboli associated with aPL, a lupus anticoagulant and IgM anticardiolipin antibody. Eight weeks later, antiphospholipid antibodies spontaneously disappeared and normal pulmonary flow was observed. Considering the high prevalence of Parvovirus B19 infection, we should be aware of thrombosis associated with transient aPL antibodies in this infectious disease.

Prolonged aPTT after kidney transplantation due to transient lupus anticoagulants

BACKGROUND

After kidney transplantation, a renal biopsy may be needed to elucidate the reasons for lack of graft function. If the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) is prolonged, the biopsy will often be postponed, as increased risk of bleeding must be expected. However, aPTT prolongation is not always due to lack of coagulation factors, but can be due to the presence of lupus anticoagulants (LAs). Clinical observations in our department indicated that a large proportion of recently kidney-transplanted patients developed prolonged aPTT values without clinical complications.

METHODS

A prospective study of patients receiving a kidney transplant in 2004 was conducted to investigate the frequency and cause of prolongation of the aPTT.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven patients were included in the study; none had prolonged aPTT or LAs before the transplantation. In the post-transplantation period, 19 patients (70.4%) had a significantly prolonged aPTT. Further investigation showed that for all 19 patients, prolongation was due to acquired antibodies: 13 had developed LAs and six had developed unspecific antibodies. The acquired antibodies were transient and did not affect clinical outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study investigating prolonged aPTT in the post-transplantation period. All patients with prolonged aPTT had acquired transient antibodies, i.e. LA or 'LA-like'. If a renal biopsy was requested, 70.4% of the transplanted patients would presumably have their biopsy postponed due to prolonged aPTT, but as LAs do not increase the risk of bleeding, such a delay would be unnecessary. Immediate LA investigation is therefore recommended if a recently transplanted patient requiring surgical procedures has a prolonged aPTT.

Anti-phospholipid antibodies following vaccination with recombinant hepatitis B vaccine

This study was undertaken to evaluate the possible role of hepatitis B recombinant vaccine inducing the synthesis of IgG and IgM anti-cardiolipin antibodies (aCL), antibodies against beta(2)GPI (anti-beta(2)GPI), lupus anti-coagulant (LA), anti-nuclear antibodies and antibodies against extractable nuclear antigens (anti-ENA). The study population consisted of 85 healthy students (63 female, 22 male; mean age 20.8 years), vaccinated with three doses of recombinant DNA hepatitis B vaccine. One month after vaccination with the first dose of hepatitis B vaccine a minority of vaccinated individuals showed changes in IgG or IgM aCL or anti-beta(2)GPI or LA activity (P < 0.001). Among subjects in whom changes of IgG anti-beta(2)GPI were observed, a significantly higher number of increased (8/85) than decreased (2/85) values were found (P < 0.01). Analyses of paired data showed that differences in aCL or anti-beta(2)GPI levels before vaccination or 1 month later did not reach statistical significance. In two people aCL transitorily reached medium positivity after the first dose of hepatitis B vaccine with a drop 5 months later. Similar evident anti-beta(2)GPI fluctuation was also observed in one person. Another participant was initially low positive for IgG anti-beta2GPI and the levels were increasing after vaccination. Two participants became positive for anti-nuclear antibodies during 6 months' follow-up. There were no sex-dependent differences in tested antibodies observed and no associations between levels of aPL and levels of anti-HBV antibodies. We conclude that HBV can induce aPL, although rarely. In genetically susceptible individuals or together with some other triggers such combination might confer the risk of developing a continuous autoimmune response in an individual.

Antiphospholipid syndrome associated with infections: clinical and microbiological characteristics

Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) were originally detected in human serum almost 100 years ago when the Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) test was described. A phospholipid called cardiolipin was the major tissue extract utilized in performing these tests. In 1983, cardiolipin was used for the first time as the antigen in solid-phase aPL specific assays for the now termed antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). Since then, many infections have been found to be associated with aPL positivity, although a pathogenic role for these antibodies was not usually obvious except in a few isolated cases.

Association between thrombotic risk factors and extent of fibrosis in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases

AIM: To evaluate the prevalence of genetic and acquired prothrombotic risk factors and their association with the extent of fibrosis and fatty infiltration in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

METHODS: Forty-four patients with chronic hepatitis (28 men and 16 women, with mean age of 4511 and 4912 years, respectively) constituted the patient population of this study. The groups were divided as follows: 15 patients with fatty liver (FL); 15 with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH); 14 with chronic viral hepatitis (CH) diagnosed by histology and liver technetium scan or ultrasound; and 10 healthy individuals. Thrombophilic, coagulation factors and genetic mutations were diagnosed by standard hemostatic and molecular coagulation assays.

RESULTS: Activated protein C (APC) resistance and protein S were the most prevalent thrombotic risk factors (6% and 10% in NAFLD vs 21% and 14% in CH; P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively). One thrombotic risk factor was identified in 41% of patients (23% mild fibrosis, 18% severe fibrosis) and two thrombotic risk factors in 6% of patients with NAFLD and severe fibrosis. While no differences in APC ratio, lupus anticoagulant, fibrinogen, factor V Leiden, prothrombin, and MTHFR mutation were found. Protein S levels were significantly lower in NASH patients than in patients with FL alone (9219 vs 1062, P < 0.01). Protein C levels were markedly higher in patients with NAFLD and mild or severe fibrosis as compared to the patients with CH, respectively (12840 vs 9614, P < 0.001 or 12936 vs 8813, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION: Up to 46% of patients with NAFLD may have thrombotic risk factors, and the presence of thrombotic risk factors is correlated with the extent of hepatic fibrosis, suggesting a crucial role of the coagulation system in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis.

Benign external compression of the inferior vena cava associated with thrombus formation

Malignant and benign causes of inferior vena cava (IVC) occlusion and compression are recognized. Cases of benign IVC compression with associated distal thrombus formation have not however been frequently described. We present two cases of benign external IVC compression associated with distal thrombus formation; one resulting from a giant, benign, hepatic cyst, and another due to pelviureteric junction obstruction, resulting in massive hydronephrosis.

Anti-lysobisphosphatidic acid antibodies in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus

Lyso(bis)phosphatidic acid (LBPA) is a novel antigenic target in anti-phospholipid syndrome (APS) and antibodies directed against LBPA (aLBPA) have been detected in sera from APS patients. In this study we first evaluated aLBPA in comparison with the most widely used methods (i.e. anticardiolipin [(aCL)-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)] and antibeta-2-glycoprotein-I antibodies (abeta(2)-GPI-ELISA) utilized to detect antiphospholipid antibodies in patients with primary or secondary APS, systemic lupus erythematosus, chronic HCV infection and healthy subjects. We then assessed the relationship between aLBPA, lupus anticoagulant (LAC) and the main clinical manifestations of APS. Finally, we evaluated the presence of 'pure' (i.e. beta(2)-GPI-independent) aLBPA in patients with APS and controls. The results indicate that aLBPA as well as abeta(2)-GPI display higher specificity but lower sensitivity for APS compared to aCL. Moreover, serum aLBPA correlate closely with aCL and abeta(2)-GPI in APS patients and are strictly associated with LAC positivity. We demonstrate that beta(2)-GPI binds to LBPA with affinity similar to CL, and antibodies able to react with phosholipid-protein complex exist; however, 'pure' aLBPA can also be detected in sera of APS patients. Altogether these data confirm that LBPA may be an antigenic target in APS and that aLBPA are serological markers of APS with similar sensitivity and specificity compared to abeta(2)-GPI. However, the clinical utility of aLBPA detection alone or in combination with aCL and/or abeta(2)-GPI remains to be elucidated in larger and longitudinal studies.

Antiphospholipid syndrome associated with infections: clinical and microbiological characteristics of 100 patients

OBJECTIVE

To describe and analyse the clinical characteristics of 100 patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) associated with infections.

METHODS

Patients were identified by a computer assisted search (Medline) of published reports to locate all cases of APS published in English, Spanish, and French from 1983 to 2003. The bilateral Fisher exact test was used for statistics.

RESULTS

59 female and 41 male patients were identified (mean (SD) age, 32 (18) years (range 1 to 78)): 68 had primary APS, 27 had systemic lupus erythematosus, two had "lupus-like" syndrome, two had inflammatory bowel disease, and one had rheumatoid arthritis. APS presented as a catastrophic syndrome in 40% of cases. The main clinical manifestations of APS included: pulmonary involvement (39%), skin involvement (36%), and renal involvement (35%; nine with renal thrombotic microangiopathy, RTMA). The main associated infections and agents included skin infection (18%), HIV (17%), pneumonia (14%), hepatitis C (13%), and urinary tract infection (10%). Anticoagulation was used in 74%, steroids in 53%, intravenous immunoglobulins in 20%, cyclophosphamide in 12%, plasma exchange in 12%, and dialysis in 9.6%. Twenty three patients died following infections and thrombotic episodes (16 with catastrophic APS). Patients given steroids had a better prognosis (p = 0.024). The presence of RTMA and requirement for dialysis carried a worse prognosis (p = 0.001 and p = 0.035, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Various different infections can be associated with thrombotic events in patients with APS, including the potentially lethal subset termed catastrophic APS. Aggressive treatment with anticoagulation, steroids, and appropriate antibiotic cover is necessary to improve the prognosis.

Antihistone and anti-double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid antibodies are associated with renal disease in systemic lupus erythematosus

PURPOSE

We sought to assess the nephritogenic antibody profile of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and to determine which antibodies were most useful in identifying patients at risk of nephritis.

METHODS

We studied 199 patients with SLE, 78 of whom had lupus nephritis. We assayed serum samples for antibodies against chromatin components (double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid [dsDNA], nucleosome, and histone), C1q, basement membrane components (laminin, fibronectin, and type IV collagen), ribonucleoprotein, and phospholipids. Correlations of these antibodies with disease activity (SLE Disease Activity Index) and nephropathy were assessed. Patients with no initial evidence of nephropathy were followed prospectively for 6 years.

RESULTS

Antibodies against dsDNA, nucleosomes, histone, C1q, and basement membrane components were associated with disease activity (P <0.05). In a multivariate analysis, anti-dsDNA antibodies (odds ratio [OR] = 6; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2 to 24) and antihistone antibodies (OR = 9.4; 95% CI: 4 to 26) were associated with the presence of proliferative glomerulonephritis. In the prospective study, 7 (6%) of the 121 patients developed proliferative lupus glomerulonephritis after a mean of 6 years of follow-up. Patients with initial antihistone (26% [5/19] vs. 2% [2/95], P = 0.0004) and anti-dsDNA reactivity (6% [2/33] vs. 0% [0/67], P = 0.048) had a greater risk of developing proliferative glomerulonephritis than patients without these autoantibodies.

CONCLUSION

In addition to routine anti-dsDNA antibody assay, antihistone antibody measurement may be useful for identifying patients at increased risk of proliferative glomerulonephritis.

Anticardiolipin antibodies in chronic viral hepatitis. Do they have clinical consequences?

Antiphospholipid antibodies are a heterogeneous group of acquired autoantibodies that react with anionic phospholipids, such as cardiolipin. Anticardiolipin antibodies (ACAs) are frequently found in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and other autoimmune disorders and can react with the phospholipid alone or bound to the cofactor beta2-glycoprotein-I. This latter form of cofactor-dependent ACAs is strongly associated with the occurrence of thrombotic events. ACAs have been observed to occur in both chronic hepatitis B and chronic hepatitis C as well as in other viral infections and in neoplastic diseases. In viral infection, ACAs are generally cofactor independent and may represent an epiphenomenon of the infection. Some studies, however, have found an increased incidence of thrombotic disorders in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) who manifest ACA positivity suggesting that the presence of these autoantibodies may predispose to thrombosis in specific HCV-infected patients. In conclusion, ACAs are commonly found in patients with chronic viral infection but their pathogenetic role and the mechanisms that stimulate their production have not yet been clarified.

Predictors of poor renal outcome in patients with lupus nephritis treated with combined pulses of cyclophosphamide and methylprednisolone

Lupus nephritis remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Although the renal prognosis has improved, the optimal therapeutic regime has not been definitively established, and significant challenges remain in the management of disease progression and recurrent renal relapse. We performed a prospective study to evaluate the outcome of 38 patients with severe lupus nephritis treated with standard cyclophosphamide and methylprednisolone pulse therapy, and to determine the variables associated with poor outcome. Five patients developed end-stage renal disease (ESRD) (13%), 10 (26%) developed persistent proteinuria (> 1 g/24h) and 15 (39%) suffered at least one relapse after 8 years of follow-up. A high chronicity index, interstitial fibrosis (P = 0.04), persistent hypertension (P < 0.0001) and hypocomplementaemia (P = 0.002) after treatment were the major variables associated with ESRD. Tubular atrophy (P = 0.01), persistent hypertension (P = 0.0001) and hypocomplementaemia after treatment (P = 0.0281) were associated with persistent proteinuria. Persistence of anti-dsDNA antibodies and hypocomplementaemia after treatment (P = 0.0118) were associated with renal relapse. Our data suggest that the group of patients with persistence of hypocomplementaemia and raised anti-dsDNA antibodies titres are at high risk of renal relapse and may be candidates for continuation of immunosuppressive treatment. Patients with persistent proteinuria alone or a high chronicity index are less likely to respond to immunosuppression, and strict control of the hypertension may be the best approach.

Prevalence of autoantibodies in patients with hepatitis C virus infection in Oman

BACKGROUND

HCV genotype patterns and HLA types in the Omani population may be unique.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Tests for 12 different autoantibodies were carried out on 50 HCV-infected patients and on 27 HCV-seronegative controls. An immunoassay for the detection of anti-HCV antibodies was performed on patient and control sera. HCV PCR was carried out on those sera which were positive for HCV antibodies.

RESULTS

All patients sera were positive for HCV antibodies and all control sera were negative. Sixty-six percent of patients were positive for at least one autoantibody. In contrast, only 33% of the controls showed positivity for one or more autoantibodies.

CONCLUSION

This study found a significant difference in the prevalence of autoantibodies between patients and controls, and between organ- and non-organ specific autoantibodies among the patients. A comparison with autoantibody patterns reported for HCV-infected patients in other parts of the world suggest that patterns in HCV-infected individuals in the Omani population are unique.

Antiphospholipid antibodies and infections

Many infections have been found to be associated with antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL), although a pathogenic role for these antibodies has not usually been obvious except in a few isolated cases. Two types of aPL have been referred to as "autoimmune" and "infectious" types. This distinction, however, has subsequently been found not to be absolute.

Thrombotic risk factors and extent of liver fibrosis in chronic viral hepatitis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Thrombosis of the small intrahepatic veins has been suggested to trigger liver tissue remodelling. We evaluated the prevalence of multiple thrombotic risk factors and their association with the extent of fibrosis in chronic viral hepatitis.

METHODS

Ninety consecutive patients with chronic hepatitis B or C without malignancy, a history of venous thrombosis, or antiviral/immunosuppressive therapy within the last six months were included. Thrombophilic and coagulation factors were evaluated on the liver biopsy day.

RESULTS

One or more thrombotic risk factors were found in 68% and > or =2 factors in 37% of patients. Higher necroinflammatory activity was independently associated with higher prothrombin time (p=0.003), alanine aminotransferase level (p=0.011), and histological staging (p=0.018). Patients with staging scores of 4-6 compared with those with scores of 0-3 more frequently had deficiency of protein C (24% v 3%; p=0.007), antithrombin III (28% v 5%; p=0.005), and plasminogen (19% v 2%; p=0.03), and a trend for more frequent activated protein C resistance (8% v 0%; p=0.075). The presence of > or =1 significant thrombotic risk factor was observed in 11/25 (44%) patients with staging scores of 4-6 and in 6/65 (9%) patients with scores of 0-3 (p<0.001), being the only variable independently associated with advanced staging (odds ratio 2.4, p=0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Thrombotic risk factors are frequently detected in patients with chronic viral hepatitis and the presence of > or =1 significant factor is associated with more advanced fibrosis. Whether the association of such thrombophilic conditions with advanced fibrosis is a primary or secondary phenomenon and whether their development in combination with local inflammation accelerate the progression of liver fibrosis need further evaluation.

Anti-cardiolipin antibodies in patients with chronic viral hepatitis are independent of beta2-glycoprotein I cofactor or features of antiphospholipid syndrome

BACKGROUND

Although controversial, some authorities have implicated hepatitis C virus (HCV) as a cause of anti-phospholipid syndrome (APLS). Anti-cardiolipin antibodies (anti-CLAbs) in APLS are cofactor-dependent ('pathogenic' antibodies). We conducted a study in order to determine the prevalence of anti-CLAbs in HCV patients, and furthermore to address whether these autoantibodies are cofactor-dependent or not and whether they are associated with features of APLS. Patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) were also evaluated in order to assess whether there are differences in the prevalence and the clinical significance of anti-CLAbs between these two major types of chronic viral hepatitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred and seventy-four consecutive HCV patients, 50 HBV patients and 267 healthy were investigated for the presence of anti-CLAbs and antibodies against beta2-glycoprotein I (beta2-GPI), which is the most important cofactor of the 'pathogenic' anti-CLAbs in APLS. IgG anti-CLAbs were determined by an in-house quantitative ELISA and anti-beta2-GPIAbs using a commercial ELISA kit.

RESULTS

21.3% of the HCV and 14% of the HBV patients tested positive for IgG anti-CLAbs (P < 0.0001 compared with healthy controls). Neither age, sex, certain epidemiologic and laboratory parameters nor the clinical status and the histologic findings were associated with anti-CLAbs detection in both diseases. 2.3% of the HCV (P < 0.05 compared with healthy controls) and 2% of the HBV patients tested positive for anti-beta2-GPIAbs. Presence of anti-CLAbs was not associated with features of APLS.

CONCLUSIONS

A significant proportion of the HCV and HBV patients had detectable IgG anti-CLAbs. However, the anti-CLAbs titres were relatively low, and in most cases seem to be cofactor-independent ('nonpathogenic'). The latter is further supported by the lack of their association with clinical features of APLS. Furthermore, anti-CLAbs appear to be detected irrespective of the demographic, laboratory, clinical and histologic status in both HCV and HBV. However, prospective studies of longer duration may be required in order to address whether anti-CLAbs in patients with chronic viral hepatitis are or are not of clinical importance.

Antiphospholipid antibodies in Chilean patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) are a heterogeneous family of antibodies found in autoimmune disorders, infectious diseases, and other situations. The presence of different aPLs has been associated with various clinical manifestations of the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of aPLs in a group of 90 Chilean patients with systemic lupus erytematosus (SLE) and 90 healthy controls. We measured anticardiolipin antibodies (aCLs), antiphosphatidylserine antibodies (aPSs), anti-beta(2) glycoprotein I antibodies (anti-beta(2)GPIs), and antiprothrombin antibodies (aPTs) with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent technique using "in-house" assays. Fifty-four of 90 SLE patients (60.0%) had some type of aPL. Forty of 90 (44.4%) were positive for aCLs, 9 of 61 (14.8%) had aPSs, 21 of 90 (23.3%) had anti-beta(2)GPIs, and 18 of 90 (20.0%) had aPTs. In the control group, prevalences were as follows: aCLs, 3.3%; aPSs, 1.1%; anti-beta(2)GPIs, 1.1%; aPTs, 2.2%. In most cases, values were in the low-positive range. Of all aPL detected, 29.5% was of the IgG isotype, 37.5% IgM, and 33.0% IgA. We observed a correlation between aCLs and aPSs and of these antibodies with anti-beta(2)GPIs and aPTs but not between anti-beta(2)GPIs and aPTs. Our results show a high prevalence of aPLs in SLE patients. An association between different specificities and isotypes of aPLs was also observed.