Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) (Last Updated - 3/29/2005)
-some pts. may be positive for the lupus anti-coagulant (aka Anti-Phospholipid Antibody Syndrome)
-these pts. require chronic oral anti-coagulation with warfarin (coumadin)
-the INR cannot be used to monitor coag functions in these pts. because they already have a prolonged PT @ baseline
-use anti-factor Xa assay to monitor instead
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References:
Goodman & Gilman's: The Pharmacologic Basis Of Therapeutics - 10th Edition - 2001. Chapter 55.