WKY Chan, KW Lee, S Ho

Abstract

Antiphospholipid antibodies are well known to be present in the serum of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It is important to identify these antibodies not only because they have unique clinical features but also important in the clinical management. We report a pediatric patient who has systemic lupus erythematosus and recurrent leg ulcers. Her problems illustrate that adequate control of lupus activity does not prevent the child from complications of thrombosis. Use of anticoagulants like aspirin or warfarin is necessary. Regular echocardiogram is also indicated since there is progressive involvement of valvular lesions and the need of antibiotic prophylaxis for infective endocarditis should be considered. Early identification of the antibodies and use of appropriate anticoagulant therapy could avoid major thrombotic events.