Anticardiolipin antibodies and free protein-s levels in rheumatoid arthriti

Abstract EN

Objective: To measure plasma levels of protein S (total & free), protein C and antithrombin III in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with and without anticardiolipin antibody (ACL) positivity.

Also to evaluate the possible relationships with an increased risk of thrombosis.

Methods: Thirty female RA patients were evaluated for ACL levels, total and free protein S, protein C and antithrombin III concentrations, and for the occurrence of thrombotic events.

Patients were grouped as ACL +ve (n=10) and ACL -ve (n=20).

Results.

Free protein S levels were found lower in ACL +ve RA patients as compared to both ACL-ve patients and controls (p< 0.001).

Measurements of protein C, antithrombin III as well as total protein S levels were found to be in the normal range in all patients and controls.

Higher rates of venous and/or arterial thromboses were diagnosed in RA patients as compared to controls (p< 0.01).

Conclusion: The association observed between ACL positivity and decreased levels of free protein S in RA patients may represent one of the risk factors for thrombotic events