Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the frequency of anti-phospholipid antibodies (APA), including lupus anticoagulant (LA) and anti-cardiolipin antibodies (ACA), in transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia major patients.
Methodology: This cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted at the Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (IBGE), University of Sindh, Jamshoro, in collaboration with the Department of Pathology, Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences, Jamshoro, Pakistan. A total of 242 patients with β-thalassemia major who had received 20 or more transfusions were assessed for the occurrence of APA associated with various medical and haemostatics lab values.
Results: Nearly 32% experienced mild bleeding, and 23% had bruising. LA was observed in 44.2% of patients, with a significantly higher transfusion rate in LA-positive patients (156.3±29) compared to LA-negative patients (72.9±31). Prolonged PT and APTT were also noted in LA-positive patients. IgM-ACA was identified in 17.4% of patients, with higher transfusion needs (165.3±49) compared to IgM-ACA negative patients (94.6±36). Significant associations were found between IgM-ACA and coagulation parameters, platelet count, RBCs, and hemoglobin levels.
Conclusion: Early monitoring of APA and LA may reduce transfusion requirements and thrombosis progression, improving patient outcomes and financial burdens.

Key words: Antiphospholipid antibodies, lupus antibodies, anticardiolipin antibodies, β-thalassemia.