Background: Antiphospholipid syndrome is a chronic, multi-system autoimmune disorder characterized by thromboembolic events and/or obstetric complications. Exploring associated risk factors is essential in management.
Aim of the Work: To study the lipid profile in antiphospholipid syndrome, and the effect of used medications on the lipid profile.
Patients and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 70 patients with antiphospholipid syndrome recruited from Rheumatology-Rehabilitation and Neurology outpatient clinics and inpatient wards in four university hospitals. They underwent thorough history taking with complete physical examination. Laboratory investigations included: antiphospholipid markers, complete blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, complement 3, complement 4, and fasting lipid profile. Dedicated imaging modality for diagnosis of arterial or venous thrombotic events
Results: Neurological manifestations (specifically migraine, sinus thrombosis and TIAs) showed a significant association with higher cholesterol levels. Sinus thrombosis was associated with lower HDL, higher TG, higher TG/HDL ratio and higher Cholesterol/HDL ratio. Lipid profile showed no statistically significant relation with received medications (Hydroxychloroquine, systemic steroids, and Azathioprine).
Conclusion: Dyslipidemia are common in APS especially in patients with TIAs, sinus thrombosis and migraine. No significant relation between medications used in treatment of APS and lipid profile levels.