Primary Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome Presenting with Acute Kidney Injury, Case Report

The antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS) is characterized by antibodies directed either at plasma proteins bound to phospholipids or at the phospholipids themselves. APS is referred to as primary when it occurs alone or secondary when found in association with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), other rheumatic diseases, certain infections and drugs. The treatment of APS patients is generally the same whether renal disease is present or not. Patients with evidence of thrombotic microangiopathy in the glomeruli and the small arteries or thrombi in the larger vessels must be treated with anticoagulant agents. Immunosuppressive therapy generally has little effect on antiphospholipid antibodies. Corticosteroids and plasmapheresis are of unproven value in the treatment of acute kidney injury related to APS, but are sometimes used by physicians in the treatment. In our case report, a 38-year-old female who had previously been diagnosed with primary APS came to our clinic with acute kidney injury. We intended to share our experience with this patient.