Different levels of coagulation cascade may be variously altered by antiphospholipid antibodies (APA). The aPL may cause different clinical symptoms, typically thrombosis, recurrent miscarriages and thrombocytopenia. Aim: to analyse retrospectively occurrence of lupus anticoagulant (LA) and APA (mixture of phospholipids – cardiolipin, phosphatidic acid and phosphatidylserin in the commercial set) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients and to correlate these parameters with the history of thrombotic events. Material and methods: A group of 46 patients who fulfilled ACR criteria for SLE was evaluated. Nonspecific parameters of inflammation, autoantibodies (ANA, anti-ENA, anti-dsDNA,anti-Ro, anti-La, anti-Sm, anti-snRNP),lupus anticoagulant andantiphospholipid antibodies – cardiolipin, phosphatidic acid and phosphatidylserin in commercial set (APA test) were followed. A history of thrombotic events was evaluated. Results: In this group there were 13 LA positive, 33 LA negative, 18 APA positive, and 28 APA negative patients. Forty thrombotic events were detected. Venous thrombosis was detected in 62% in a group of LA positive and in 18% in LA negative patients (p<0.05). Arterial thrombosis has occurred in 31% and 6% in LA positive and LA negative groups respectively (p<0.05). No statistical significance was detected with respect to incidence of spontaneous abortions. Similar results were found inAPApositive andnegative groups;, for venous (p<0.05) and arterial thrombosis (p<0.05) and for miscarriages. Thrombocytopenia below 100x109/l was detected in 31% and 6% of LA positive and LA negative groups respectively (p<0.05). Statistical significance was detected in the ANA titres >1:160 and in anti-ENA autoantibodies presence. Eight per cent of such patients were found in a LA+ group and 58% in LA- group (p<0.05). Secondary antiphospholipid antibody syndrome was found in 30% of SLE patients, 79% of LA positive, and 93% of APA positive group. Discussion: this retrospective analysis demonstrates statistically significant correlation between LA and APA positivity and history of thrombotic events. The correlation was associated with venous and arterial thrombosis and thrombocytopenia. It is also evident that thrombophilia observed in SLE may be caused by variety of antiphospholipid antibodies and other factors.

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