Drug-induced lupus anticoagulants and antiphospholipid antibodies

Curr Rheumatol Rep. 2012 Feb;14(1):71-8. doi: 10.1007/s11926-011-0227-1.

Abstract

Lupus anticoagulants (LA) are immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM, and/or IgA) which interfere with one or more of phospholipid-dependent in vitro coagulation tests, eg, activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), kaolin clotting time (KCT), dilute Russell viper venom time (dRVVT), and dilute prothrombin time (dPT). LAs may be seen in a variety of clinical settings including the primary antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), other autoimmune diseases, secondary to infections, malignancies, and in association with certain drugs. LAs associated with the antiphospholipid syndrome and other autoimmune disease recognize certain phospholipid-binding proteins (β(2)-glycoprotein I [β(2)GPI] or prothrombin). Many drugs have been implicated as possibly causing LAs, although the majority of such cases are limited to a select few. Drug-induced LAs are heterogeneous, differing in laboratory findings as well as related clinical complications. This paper reviews the English medical literature on drug-induced LA and potential mechanisms of induction.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Antiphospholipid / metabolism*
  • Antiphospholipid Syndrome / chemically induced*
  • Antiphospholipid Syndrome / immunology
  • Humans
  • Lupus Coagulation Inhibitor / metabolism*
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / chemically induced*
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / immunology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Antiphospholipid
  • Lupus Coagulation Inhibitor