High prevalence of antiphospholipid antibodies in children with idiopathic cerebral ischemia.

BACKGROUND

The presence of circulating antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) is frequently associated with thromboembolic phenomena.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prevalence of aPLs, detected as lupus anticoagulant (LA) or anticardiolipin antibody (aCL), in a group of unselected children with idiopathic cerebral ischemia.

DESIGN

Prospective, case series.

SETTING

A pediatric neurology department.

PATIENTS

Thirteen children with cerebral ischemia (eight with stroke, three with transient ischemic attacks, and two with ocular ischemia). Age-matched apparently healthy children served as controls.

MEASUREMENTS

LA and aCL determination was performed within 3 days after the occurrence of the ischemic event and was repeated after 3 to 6 months. To be defined as aPL-positive, patients had to have either a positive LA test or positive IgG and/or IgM aCL at moderate/high level in both determinations.

MAIN RESULTS

Ten (76%) of the 13 patients were positive for either LA or aCL. No differences were found between aPL-positive and aPL-negative patients with respect to clinical manifestations or radiological features. Six (46%) of the 13 patients had a history of multiple ischemic events.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show a very high prevalence of aPLs in children with idiopathic cerebral ischemia. Because the presence of these antibodies has relevant therapeutic implications, their determination in children with cerebral ischemia is recommended.