Neuropediatrics 1996; 27(3): 149-153
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-973766
Original Articles

© Hippokrates Verlag GmbH Stuttgart

Neurological Disorders, other than Stroke, Associated with Antiphospholipid Antibodies in Childhood

L. Angelini1 , F. Zibordi1 , G. Zorzi1 , N. Nardocci1 , R. Caporali3 , A. Ravelli2 , A. Martini2
  • 1Department of Neuropediatrics, National Neurological Institute "C. Besta", Via Celoria 11, Milano, Italy,
  • 2Department of Pediatrics and 3Department of Medical Pathology, University of Pavia, San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
13 March 2007 (online)

Abstract

We report the results of a systematic study on the association of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) with some neurological diseases other than stroke in a childhood population. Patients affected by migraine, benign intracranial hypertension (BIH) or unilateral movement disorders, such as hemichorea and hermdystonia with acute-subacute onset, were screened for aPLs. None of them had clinical or serological evidence of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) or other connective tissue disease. Moderate to high levels of anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL) and/or positive Lupus Anticoagulant (LA) were demonstrated in 6 out of 17 patients with migraine, in 3 out of 4 patients with BIH and in all of the 5 patients showing unilateral movement disorders. The association between aPLs and these neurological conditions, usually regarded as cryptogenic, may suggest a possible pathogenetic mechanism.

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