Global antiphospholipid syndrome score useful for differentiating TIA, stroke

In patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and antiphospholipid syndrome, the Global Antiphospholipid Syndrome Score was found to be effective for differentiating between transient ischemic attack and stroke.

Researchers studied 40 consecutive patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) from the Louise Coote Lupus Unit at St Thomas Hospital in London who had a history of cerebrovascular events. Patients’ blood was tested for anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL), lupus anticoagulant (LA), anti-beta-2 glycoprotein I antibody (anti-beta-2GPI) and antibodies to phosphatidylserine-prothrombin complex (aPS/PT). Cardiovascular risk factors were assessed with European National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence guidelines. The Global Antiphospholipid Syndrome Score (GAPSS) was calculated for each patient.

Results showed 19 patients had stroke, 16 had transient ischemic attack (TIA) and five patients experienced both. According to the researchers, 30 patients met criteria for antiphospholipid syndrome (APS).

Higher values of GAPSS were seen in patients who experienced stroke alone (47.5%) or in association with a transient ischemic attack (40%) or both (5%). Patients who had experienced both showed the highest GAPSS but the difference was only statistically significant when compared with those who had a TIA alone, according to the researchers. – by Shirley Pulawski

Reference:

Sciascia S, et al. Paper #1627. Presented at: American College of Rheumatology Annual Meeting. Nov. 14-19, 2014; Boston.

Disclosure: The authors have no relevant financial disclosures.