High Prevalence of Antiphospholipid Antibodies in Children With Idiopathic Cerebral Ischemia

¹ The Istituto Nazionale Neurologico "Carlo Besta," Milano, Italy
² Clinica Pediatrics, Universita' di Pavia, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico S. Matteo, Pavia, Italy.
³ Istituto di Patologia Medica, Universita' di Pavia, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico S. Matteo, Pavia, Italy.

Background. The presence of circulating antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) is frequently associated with thromboembolic phenomena.

Objective. To investigate the prevalence of aPLs, detected as lupus anticoagulant (LA) or anticardiolipin antibody (aCL), in a group of unselected children with idiopathic cerebral ischemia.

Design. Prospective, case series.

Setting. A pediatric neurology department.

Patients. Thirteen children with cerebral ischemia (eight with stroke, three with transient ischemic attacks, and two with ocular ischemia). Age-matched apparently healthy children served as controls.

Measurements. LA and aCL determination was performed within 3 days after the occurrence of the ischemic event and was repeated after 3 to 6 months. To be defined as aPL-positive, patients had to have either a positive LA test or positive IgG and/or IgM aCL at moderate/high level in both determinations.

Main results. Ten (76%) of the 13 patients were positive for either LA or aCL. No differences were found between aPL-positive and aPL-negative patients with respect to clinical manifestations or radiological features. Six (46%) of the 13 patients had a history of multiple ischemic events.

Conclusions. Our results show a very high prevalence of aPLs in children with idiopathic cerebral ischemia. Because the presence of these antibodies has relevant therapeutic implications, their determination in children with cerebral ischemia is recommended.

Key Words: cerebral ischemia • stroke • transient ischemic attack • ocular ischemia • antiphospholipid antibodies • lupus anticoagulant • anticardiolipin antibody

Submitted on March 7, 1994
Accepted on April 26, 1994

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