Plasmapheresis for a schizophrenic patient with drug-induced lupus anti-coagulant

J Int Med Res. 1996 Jan-Feb;24(1):147-50. doi: 10.1177/030006059602400119.

Abstract

A 59-year-old patient with schizophrenia developed Sjögren's syndrome. She also presented with the lupus anticoagulant attributed to long-term medication with chlorpromazine. Serial plasmapheresis treatments were performed to decrease the anti-coagulant activity. As a result, the activated partial thromboplastin time was temporarily improved, but the lupus anti-coagulant activity did not change. Because of her unstable emotional state, she continued to require chlorpromazine, but took a low dose of aspirin (87 mg/day) and never manifested any signs of thrombotic events. In view of the potential anti-thrombotic effects of chlorpromazine, it may not be necessary to use plasmapheresis in an attempt to reduce anti-coagulant activity among patients with chlorpromazine-induced lupus anti-coagulant.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antipsychotic Agents / adverse effects
  • Aspirin / administration & dosage
  • Chlorpromazine / adverse effects
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lupus Coagulation Inhibitor / blood*
  • Middle Aged
  • Partial Thromboplastin Time
  • Plasmapheresis*
  • Schizophrenia / blood
  • Schizophrenia / complications*
  • Schizophrenia / drug therapy
  • Sjogren's Syndrome / blood
  • Sjogren's Syndrome / chemically induced*
  • Sjogren's Syndrome / therapy*
  • Thrombosis / prevention & control

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents
  • Lupus Coagulation Inhibitor
  • Aspirin
  • Chlorpromazine