[Anti-beta 2 glycoprotein 1 antibodies in idiopathic livedo reticularis].

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Idiopathic livedo reticularis can be a sign of systemic disease since certain complications are frequently associated: cerebral thrombotic events in Sneddon's syndrome, necrotic ulcerations of the lower limbs. Antiphospholipid antibodies have been found in 0 to 85 p. 100 of patients with Sneddon's syndrome and anti-beta 2-glycoprotein 1 antibodies in 65 p. 100 of a series of 20 cases with Sneddon's syndrome. The aim of our study was to determine the prevalence of anti-beta 2-glycoprotein 1 antibodies in idiopathic livedo reticularis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Twelve patients in a series of 17 with idiopathic livedo reticularis seen between 1981 and 1992 were studied progressively. All underwent a clinical examination and simple laboratory tests with search for anticardiolipin antibodies, lupus type circulating anticoagulant and anti-beta 2-glycoprotein 1 antibodies.

RESULTS:

Eight of our 12 patients (60 p. 100) were positive for anti-beta 2-glycoprotein 1 antibodies, 3 of whom also had episodes of thrombosis similar to those described in antiphospholipid syndrome. Only one of the 8 patients also had anticardiolipin antibodies and no chronic manifestation of thrombosis.

DISCUSSION:

beta 2-glycoprotein 1 is a cofactor which increases anticardiolipin antibody adhesion to cardiolipin in ELISA. Anti-beta 2-glycoprotein 1 antibodies are associated with thrombosis and antiphospholipid antibodies with lupus. Our results would suggest that the prevalence of anti-beta 2-glycoprotein 1 antibodies is high in idiopathic livedo, but, due to the small number of patients, do not allow confirmation that anti-beta 2-glycoprotein 1 antibodies are associated with thrombosis. Anti-beta 2-glycoprotein 1 antibody assay would be justified in routine evaluation of patients with livedo and at follow-up examinations.

• Authors: F Aubry, B Crickx, P Nicaise, C Labarre, J P Viard, S Belaïch
• Journal: Annales de dermatologie et de venereologie (Ann Dermatol Venereol) Vol. 122 Issue 10 Pg. 667-70 ( 1995) ISSN: 0151-9638 [Print] France
• Vernacular Title: Les anticorps anti-Bêta 2 glycoprotéine 1 dans le livedo reticularis idiopathique.
• PMID: 8687049 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antibodies, Anticardiolipin
• Apolipoproteins
• Glycoproteins
• beta 2-Glycoprotein I

Topics

• Adult
• Antibodies, Anticardiolipin (analysis)
• Apolipoproteins (immunology)
• Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
• Female
• Glycoproteins (immunology)
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Skin Diseases, Vascular (immunology, therapy)
• Thrombosis (immunology, physiopathology)
• beta 2-Glycoprotein I