CLINICAL-SIGNIFICANCE OF ANTICARDIOLIPIN ANTIBODIES IN SYSTEMIC LUPUS-ERYTHEMATOSUS

The aim of the study was to investigate the frequency and clinical sig nificance of anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL) in systemic lupus erythe matosus (SLE). 32 of 100 patients with SLE had positive anticardiolipi n antibodies. Increased aCL were associated with thrombosis, thrombocy topenia, miscarriage, vasculitic skin changes and neurological symptom s. The incidence of thrombosis, thrombocytopenia, and neurological sym ptoms was significantly increased in the aCL-positive group as compare d to the aCL-negative group. These findings confirm the results of for mer investigations and underline the role of aCL in systemic lupus ery thematosus.