Abstract
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.
Keywords:
Leprosy; Antiphospholipid antibodies; Beta-2-glycoprotein-I; Factor V Leiden; Prothrombin; Thromboembolism