Certain Antibodies Linked to Systemic Lupus Erythematosus-Related Thrombocytopenia Disease May Increase Disease Severity and Outcomes

A new study finds that people with systemic lupus erythematosus-related thrombocytopenia (SLE-TP) who have antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) in their blood are more likely to have more severe disease, lower remission rates and higher relapse rates. aPLs are antibodies that attack certain fats in cell membranes and blood proteins. Thrombocytopenia (TP) is a common blood disorder among people with SLE and is characterized by a low blood platelet count, which can inhibit the body’s blood clotting ability. 

Researchers looked at data from 350 people with SLE-TP, over half of whom were aPLs positive. They found those who had aPLs present in their blood had lower platelet counts, and were more likely to have more severe SLE-TP. Over time, people with SLE-TP who were aPLs positive also had a higher relapse rate (58.2%) compared to people without aPLs (44.2%). The aPLs positive group was also less responsive to treatment. 

Additionally, having a greater variety of aPL types was found to be a risk factor. People with a greater number of different types of aPLs were found to have lower platelet counts, a higher relapse rate and disease that was more resistant to treatment. 

The study findings highlight an important relationship between aPLs and SLE-TP severity and prognosis. SLE affects different people in different ways, and for many, this includes involvement of the circulatory system. Learn more about SLE and the heart, lungs, and blood.

Read the study