Clinical significance of anti-annexin V antibodies in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Annexin V has a calcium-dependent binding affinity for anionic phospholipids and activated platelets, and prevents prothrombinase activity. We investigated the clinical significance of IgG anti-annexin V antibodies in patients with SLE. The study population consisted of 140 patients with SLE. Sera were examined for IgG anti-annexin V antibodies by ELISA. IgG anti-annexin V antibodies were detected in 27 of 140 patients (19%). Significantly higher incidences of arterial or venous thrombosis, intrauterine fetal loss, and prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time were found in patients with anti-annexin V antibodies than in those without anti-annexin V antibodies. Three patients with thrombosis were found not to have anticardiolipin antibodies, but to show sustained serological reactions for anti-annexin V antibodies, irrespective of prednisolone administration. These results indicated the clinical characteristics of SLE patients with anti-annexin V antibodies, and that these antibodies may be associated with the pathogenesis of thrombotic events.