CLINICAL-SIGNIFICANCE OF ANTI-ANNEXIN-V ANTIBODIES IN PATIENTS WITH SYSTEMIC LUPUS-ERYTHEMATOSUS

Annexin V has a calcium-dependent binding affinity for anionic phospho lipids and activated platelets, and prevents prothrombinase activity. We investigated the clinical significance of IgG anti-annexin V antibo dies in patients with SLE. The study population consisted of 140 patie nts with SLE. Sera were examined for IgG anti-annexin V antibodies by ELISA. IgG anti-annexin V antibodies were detected in 27 of 140 patien ts (19%). Significantly higher incidences of arterial or venous thromb osis, intrauterine fetal loss, and prolonged activated partial thrombo plastin time were found in patients with anti-annexin V antibodies tha n in those without anti-annexin V antibodies. Three patients with thro mbosis were found not to have anticardiolipin antibodies, but to show sustained serological reactions for anti-annexin V antibodies, irrespe ctive of prednisolone administration. These results indicated the clin ical characteristics of SLE patients with anti-annexin V antibodies, a nd that these antibodies may be associated with the pathogenesis of th rombotic events. (C) Wiley-Liss, Inc.