Renal involvement in primary antiphospholipid syndrome and its response to immunosuppressive therapy

Lupus. 2003;12(10):760-5. doi: 10.1191/0961203303lu461oa.

Abstract

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is the association between antiphospholipid antibodies, venous and arterial thrombosis and pregnancy morbidity. Although the kidney may be affected in APS, the treatment of renal involvement is yet to be elucidated. This report describes the clinical and laboratory features of four patients with primary APS nephropathy, and the beneficial effect of immunosuppressive therapy accompanied by warfarin and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor. We also briefly discuss the possible mechanisms of the beneficial effects of immunosuppressives on primary APS nephropathy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Antiphospholipid / blood
  • Antiphospholipid Syndrome / complications*
  • Antiphospholipid Syndrome / immunology
  • Azathioprine / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Glomerulosclerosis, Focal Segmental / drug therapy*
  • Glomerulosclerosis, Focal Segmental / etiology*
  • Glomerulosclerosis, Focal Segmental / pathology
  • Humans
  • Hypertension, Renal / drug therapy
  • Hypertension, Renal / etiology
  • Hypertension, Renal / immunology
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Pre-Eclampsia / complications
  • Pre-Eclampsia / immunology
  • Pregnancy
  • Proteinuria / drug therapy
  • Proteinuria / etiology
  • Proteinuria / pathology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Antiphospholipid
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Azathioprine