Anti-phospholipid syndrome in seven leprosy patients with thrombotic events on corticosteroid and/or thalidomide regimen: insights on genetic and laboratory profiles

• Published in: Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical
• Main Authors: Sebastian Vernal, Maria Jose Franco Brochado, Roberto Bueno-Filho, Paulo Louzada-Junior, Ana Maria Roselino
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical (SBMT)
• Subjects: Leprosy; Antiphospholipid antibodies; Beta-2-glycoprotein-I; Factor V Leiden; Prothrombin; Thromboembolism; Arctic medicine. Tropical medicine; RC955-962; Arctic
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1590/0037-8682-0216-2017; https://doaj.org/article/903e728ec6fc43cda9898771c4761716

Abstract INTRODUCTION Corticosteroids and/or thalidomides have been associated with thromboembolism events (TBE) in multibacillary (MB) leprosy. This report aimed to determine genetic and laboratory profiles associated with leprosy and TBE. METHODS Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL), coagulation-related exams, prothrombin and Leiden’s factor V mutations, and ß2-glycoprotein-I (ß2GPI) Val247Leu polymorphism were assessed. RESULTS Six out of seven patients with leprosy were treated with prednisone and/or thalidomide during TBE and presented at least one positive aPL. All patients presented ß2GPI polymorphism, and one showed prothrombin mutation. CONCLUSIONS Corticosteroid or thalidomide adverse effects and aPL and ß2GPI polymorphisms may cause TBE in patients with MB leprosy.