Successful Treatment of Catastrophic Antiphospholipid Syndrome Using Rituximab: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Unresolved issues in the diagnosis and management of thrombotic antiphospholipid syndrome

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a highly prothrombotic autoimmune disease characterized by the persistent presence of antiphospholipid autoantibodies (aPL) in association with thrombotic or nonthrombotic macro- and microvascular manifestations and/or pregnancy complications. This review is restricted to thrombotic APS. Since the publication of the American College of Rheumatology/European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology classification criteria for APS, several authors have emphasized the difference between "classification" and "diagnosis" as a potential pitfall for clinicians. In addition to challenges associated with the diagnosis of APS, there are many unresolved areas in understanding pathogenesis and in the management of both thrombotic and obstetric APS. Although APS is an antibody-mediated autoimmune disease, secondary thrombosis prevention is achieved by anticoagulation, mainly with vitamin K antagonists, such as warfarin, rather than immunomodulation. Evidence is convincing for the use of vitamin K antagonists in triple-positive APS with venous thromboembolism. However, the best anticoagulant approach in the management of venous thromboembolism patients with single or dual positive aPL is not clear. Management of patients with stroke or arterial thrombosis with aPL remains a major unresolved issue, although some guidelines recommend the use of warfarin rather than antiplatelet therapy as the first-line treatment of stroke in APS. Recurrent thrombosis, despite therapeutic anticoagulation, remains a frequent problem and may be explained by the contribution of thrombo-inflammation in patients with thrombotic APS. In this narrative review, we discuss some of the unresolved issues in the diagnosis and management of thrombotic APS.

Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome: a CAPS-tivating hematologic disease

Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (CAPS) is a rare but life-threatening form of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) defined by the rapid onset of large and small vessel thrombosis occurring simultaneously across multiple sites, resulting in multiorgan dysfunction. The presence of underlying immune dysfunction causing activation of coagulation and, in many cases, abnormal complement regulation predisposes these patients to thrombotic events. CAPS is often preceded by triggering factors such as infection, surgery, trauma, anticoagulation discontinuation, and malignancy. Given the high mortality rate, which may exceed 50%, prompt recognition and initiation of management is required. The detection of antiphospholipid antibodies and the histopathologic identification of microvascular ischemia via tissue biopsy are required to diagnose CAPS. However, these patients are often too unwell to obtain results and wait for them. As such, investigations should not delay CAPS therapy, especially if there is strong clinical suspicion. Management of CAPS requires "triple therapy" with glucocorticoids, intravenous heparin, therapeutic plasma exchange, and/or intravenous immunoglobulin. Treatment for refractory disease is based on poor-quality evidence but includes anti-CD20 (rituximab) or anticomplement (eculizumab) monoclonal antibodies and other immunosuppressant agents, either alone or in combination. The rarity of this syndrome and the subsequent lack of randomized clinical trials have led to a paucity of high-quality evidence to guide management. Continued international collaboration to expand ongoing CAPS registries will allow a better understanding of the response to newer targeted therapy.

Diagnosis and Management of Catastrophic Antiphospholipid Syndrome and the Potential Impact of the 2023 ACR/EULAR Antiphospholipid Syndrome Classification Criteria

Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (CAPS) is a rare and life-threatening condition characterized by the persistence of antiphospholipid antibodies and occurrence of multiple vascular occlusive events. CAPS currently remains a diagnostic challenge and requires urgent treatment. The diagnosis of CAPS is made difficult by classification criteria used as diagnostic criteria in clinical practice, knowledge derived from retrospective data and case reports, confounding clinical and biological features, and its rapid onset and mortality. The absence of prospective studies of CAPS limits the strength of evidence for guideline treatment protocols. This comprehensive review summarizes the current understanding of the disease, and discusses how the 2023 ACR/EULAR Antiphospholipid Syndrome Classification Criteria impact the definition and therapeutic management of CAPS, which is considered the most severe form of APS. The correct integration of 2023 ACR/EULAR APS classification criteria is poised to facilitate CAPS diagnosis, particularly in critical situations, offering a promising avenue for improved outcomes.

Eculizumab therapy and complement regulation in a case of resistant catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome

Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (CAPS) is a life-threatening form of antiphospholipid syndrome characterised by diffuse arterial and venous thrombosis, in the presence of positive antiphospholipid antibodies. The multiple sites of thrombosis in small, medium and large vessels progress to multiorgan failure, accounting for the high mortality rate associated with CAPS. Unregulated complement activation is increasingly recognised as critical to the pathogenesis of CAPS. Early diagnosis is essential to initiate prompt life-saving treatment with the triple therapy of anticoagulation, immunosuppression and either plasmapheresis or intravenous immunoglobulin. Among other immunosuppressive agents, eculizumab, a complement inhibitor has demonstrated efficacy in treatment-resistant cases.We report an instructive case of a woman presenting with both clinical and laboratory findings consistent with primary CAPS, resistant to initial treatment and responsive to eculizumab, with emphasis on genetic testing and implications for future therapy.

Ang-1, Ang-2, and Tie2 are diagnostic biomarkers for Henoch-Schönlein purpura and pediatric-onset systemic lupus erythematous

Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) and pediatric-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (pSLE) are closely associated with vasculitis and vascular diseases. This study aimed to investigate the clinical diagnostic values of Ang-1, Ang-2, and Tie2 for HSP and pSLE. We surveyed 82 HSP patients, 34 pSLE patients, and 10 healthy children. The expression levels of Ang-1, Ang-2, and Tie2 in the serum and urine were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The diagnostic values of Ang-1, Ang-2, and Tie2 for HSP and pSLE were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. The results revealed that the serum and urine expression levels of Ang-2 and Tie2 were significantly elevated in HSP and pSLE patients, whereas the Ang-1/Ang-2 values were reduced. Additionally, Ang-1 was highly expressed in the serum and urine of HSP patients and in the serum of pSLE patients. Ang-1, Ang-2, and Tie2 showed differential expression in various types of HSP and pSLE compared with their expression in healthy controls. In summary, Ang-1, Ang-2, and Tie2 can serve as biomarkers for HSP and pSLE. Moreover, Ang-1/Ang-2 values are reduced in HSP and pSLE patients. Ang-1, Ang-2, and Tie2 can be used as biomarkers for HSP and pSLE.

Catastrophic Antiphospholipid Syndrome

Unlike classic APS, CAPS causes multiple microthrombosis due to an increased inflammatory response, known as a "thrombotic storm". CAPS typically develops after infection, trauma, or surgery and begins with the following symptoms: fever, thrombocytopenia, muscle weakness, visual and cognitive disturbances, abdominal pain, renal failure, and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Although the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies in the blood is one of the diagnostic criteria, the level of these antibodies can fluctuate significantly, which complicates the diagnostic process and can lead to erroneous interpretation of rapidly developing symptoms. Triple therapy is often used to treat CAPS, which includes the use of anticoagulants, plasmapheresis, and high doses of glucocorticosteroids and, in some cases, additional intravenous immunoglobulins. The use of LMWH is recommended as the drug of choice due to its anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant properties. CAPS is a multifactorial disease that requires not only an interdisciplinary approach but also highly qualified medical care, adequate and timely diagnosis, and appropriate prevention in the context of relapse or occurrence of the disease. Improved new clinical protocols and education of medical personnel regarding CAPS can significantly improve the therapeutic approach and reduce mortality rates.

A Rare Rheumatologic Case of Catastrophic Antiphospholipid Syndrome

A very rare and severe disease catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome is defined by small vessel occlusions resulting in multi-organ involvement in the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies. This case report presents a case of catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome in a young female without past medical history.

An update on the biologics for the treatment of antiphospholipid syndrome

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by thrombosis and pregnancy morbidity with the persistent presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs). Although anticoagulation is the primary treatment for APS, it fails in approximately 20-30% of obstetric APS cases and more than 30% of thrombotic APS cases. Therefore, there is a need for new, targeted treatments beyond anticoagulants. Biologics, such as rituximab and eculizumab, have been recommended for refractory catastrophic APS. This review focuses on the recent advancements in the pathogenesis of APS and explores the potential of targeted treatments, including eculizumab, rituximab, belimumab, daratumumab, obinutuzumab, and anti-TNF-α antibodies, for APS management.

Corticosteroids, Plasmapheresis, Argatroban, Rituximab, and Sirolimus Provided Clinical Benefit for Catastrophic Antiphospholipid Syndrome in a Patient with a History of Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia

We report a patient with catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome who had significant improvement after corticosteroids, plasmapheresis, argatroban, rituximab, and sirolimus. Argatroban was used instead of heparin due to a history of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.