Systemic lupus erythematosus and secondary antiphospholipid síndrome.

Abstract

Abstract

Background: Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by the presence of anticardiolipin antibodies, anti-Beta 2 Glycoprotein or Lupic anti-coagulant together with the presence of vascular thrombosis or problems during pregnancy. The APS can be of primary or secondary origin, it is associated with systemic lupus erythematosus, a disease that compromises the connective tissue causing chronic inflammation and symptoms that affect different organs; its incidence can range from three to two hundred cases per one hundred thousand inhabitants.

Case report: We present the case of a Female patient of fifty-four years, with history of venous insufficiency, arterial hypertension, idiopathic epilepsy of late onset, chronic renal failure, dementia, normochromic normocytic anemia, deep
vein thrombosis in the lower limbs and repeated miscarriages who attended the outpatient clinic due to a chronic ulcer in the region of the external malleolus of the right lower limb that did not remit despite treatment. She was admitted to the nursing home to complete extension studies, finding the blood survey indicate hypocomplementemia, hyperprolactinemia, thrombocytopenia and hemolytic anemia, and positive exams to ANAS, ENAS y VDRL.

Evolution: The management of the patient consisted of a pharmacological treatment focused on the use of anticoagulants and immunosuppressants; in
addition to surgical treatment, since she underwent a skin graft procedure, which she rejected. Currently, the patient is in the active process of her pathology, maintaining treatment based on chloroquine and azathioprine.

Conclusions: In the presence of a female patient with repeated abortions, vascular alterations and hematological alterations, the existence of autoimmune diseases should be considered within the differential diagnoses. The early diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus and antiphospholipid syndrome contributes to the establishment of a timely treatment and improves the quality of life of patients by preventing disabling complications.