Infant with probable catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome successfully managed with rituximab

Pediatrics. 2010 Jun;125(6):e1523-8. doi: 10.1542/peds.2009-2939. Epub 2010 May 17.

Abstract

The antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an acquired thrombophilic disorder characterized by the presence of autoantibodies to a variety of phospholipids and phospholipid-binding proteins. Clinical manifestations range from being asymptomatic to having imminently life-threatening events. Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (CAPS) occurs in <1% of patients with APS and is defined by multiple small-vessel occlusions that lead to multiple-organ failure and is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Here we report the case of a 3-month-old boy with probable CAPS who presented to us with digital necrosis and pulmonary hemorrhage. In addition, a skin biopsy demonstrated multiple small-vessel thromboses without signs of vasculitis. Results of testing for autoantibodies were positive for anti-beta(2) glycoprotein I (anti-beta(2)-GPI) only. His treatment consisted of high-dose steroids, immunoglobulin therapy, exchange transfusion, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab as well as iloprost and bosentan as vasodilators for his ischemia; he showed an excellent clinical response. To the best of our knowledge, this is the youngest patient with probable CAPS, the first reported patient to test positive for anti-beta(2)-GPI antibodies and negative for anticardiolipin antibodies and lupus anticoagulant, and the second patient reported to be successfully treated with an immunomodulatory regimen including rituximab.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic / blood
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
  • Antiphospholipid Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Antiphospholipid Syndrome / drug therapy*
  • Antiphospholipid Syndrome / immunology
  • Antiphospholipid Syndrome / pathology
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Humans
  • Immunologic Factors / therapeutic use*
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Rituximab
  • Skin / pathology
  • beta 2-Glycoprotein I / immunology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
  • Immunologic Factors
  • beta 2-Glycoprotein I
  • Rituximab