Introduction: Currently, there have been limited data on the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) in patients with uterine malignancies (UMs).
Objectives: We aimed to determine whether criteria and noncriteria aPLs are present in patients with UMs and associated with the thrombotic risk, as compared with patients with noncancerous gynecological diseases (NCGDs).
Patients and methods: The study involved 151 women scheduled for gynecological surgery. The patients were divided into the UM group (n = 70) and the NCGD group (n = 81). The Antiphospholipid 10 Dot assay was used to detect criteria and noncriteria aPLs before surgery. The study patients were considered positive for thrombosis if they exhibited signs of thrombosis within the 2‑year follow‑up period after surgery.
Results: Positive results for aPLs were obtained in 17/70 patients with UMs (24.3%) and in 6/81 patients with NCGDs (7.4%) (P = 0.008). Particular noncriteria aPLs (antiphosphatidic acid, antiphosphatidylserine, anti-annexin V, and antiprothrombin antibodies) yet no criteria aPLs (anticardiolipin and anti-β2‑glycoprotein I antibodies) were more frequently found in patients with UMs than in those with NCGDs. Thrombosis was diagnosed in 9/70 patients (12.9%) in the UM group and in 3/81 patients (3.7%) in the NCGD group (P = 0.03).
Conclusions: Antiphospholipid antibodies were present at significant levels in patients with UMs. Noncriteria aPLs yet no criteria aPLs were more frequently found in patients with UMs than in those with NCGDs. The incidence of thrombosis was significantly higher in patients with UMs.