Marianelly Fernandez. Venous Thromboembolism due to Antiphospholipid Syndrome in Children - Case Report and Literature Review

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Presenter/Author: Marianelly Fernandez, MD
Resident, University of Texas Medical Branch, Pediatrics

Contributing Author/Faculty Mentor:  Akila Muthukumar, MD
Associate Professor, University of Texas Medical Branch



POSTER ABSTRACT   (View Poster PDF)

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a rare autoimmune disease that represents the most common cause of acquired thrombophilia. It is characterized by the persistent elevation of auto-antibodies against phospholipids present in cell membranes.  APS is most commonly seen in adults. However, it occasionally manifests in pediatric patients leading to thromboembolic events including deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, stroke, and rarely multiple small vessel thrombosis resulting in multi-organ failure which can lead to significant long term disability. Clinical and laboratory characterization of patients with pediatric antiphospholipid syndrome suggests some important differences between antiphospholipid syndrome in pediatric and adult populations. There is insufficient data regarding incidence, prevalence, thrombosis risk, and effective treatment in pediatric APS. Pediatric patients with APS have a very high risk of recurrent thrombotic events, but the degree of anticoagulation needed to prevent recurrent thrombotic events continues to be controversial.  The objective of this report is to highlight the presentation of APS in a pediatric patient, review the current literature of APS in children, identify gaps in current knowledge, and encourage further research to fill those gaps with emphasis in the management and long term outcome of APS among children. 


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