Work

Refractory Pulmonary Hemorrhage in Primary Antiphospholipid Syndrome: Unmet Need for More Effective Therapies

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Pulmonary hemorrhage is a rare but life-threatening microvascular complication of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). Despite aggressive immunosuppressive therapy, its prognosis remains guarded because of high rates of non-response to treatment and relapse, leading to increased mortality. We report the case of a 24-year-old Chinese woman with primary APS who developed recurrent diffuse pulmonary hemorrhage (DAH), in addition to superior vena cava thrombosis and myocardial infarction with normal coronary arteries. Her pulmonary hemorrhage was refractory to high-dose glucocorticoid therapy and anticoagulation but stabilized after escalation of treatment with a combination of rituximab and cyclophosphamide. In this report, the current evidence on the pathophysiology, treatment, and challenges of APS-associated DAH is reviewed and discussed.

Source: Journal of Clinical Rheumatology and Immunology

DOI: 10.1142/s2661341726720016

Authors: Cheuk Man Ho, Chi Chiu Mok, Kar Li Chan

Institutions: Pok Oi Hospital, Tuen Mun Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Research

Subfield: Rheumatology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $800