Anti-phospholipid syndrome in seven leprosy patients with thrombotic events on corticosteroid and/or thalidomide regimen: insights on genetic and laboratory profiles.

INTRODUCTION: Corticosteroids and/or thalidomides have been associated with thromboembolism events (TBE) in multibacillary (MB) leprosy. This report aimed to determine genetic and laboratory profiles associated with leprosy and TBE.

METHODS: Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL), coagulation-related exams, prothrombin and Leiden's factor V mutations, and ß2-glycoprotein-I (ß2GPI) Val247Leu polymorphism were assessed.

RESULTS: Six out of seven patients with leprosy were treated with prednisone and/or thalidomide during TBE and presented at least one positive aPL. All patients presented ß2GPI polymorphism, and one showed prothrombin mutation.

CONCLUSIONS: Corticosteroid or thalidomide adverse effects and aPL and ß2GPI polymorphisms may cause TBE in patients with MB leprosy.