Alteration in the laboratory profile of a lupus anticoagulant in a patient with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

We describe a patient with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma who developed a lupus anticoagulant (LA) detectable by activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), dilute Russell's viper venom time (DRVVT) and kaolin clotting time (KCT). IgM anticardiolipin antibodies (ACA) were elevated. At a later admission, and following treatment for the lymphoma, routine coagulation screening showed an elevated prothrombin time (PT) without correction in mixing tests using a recombinant thromboplastin. Routine APTT was below the reference range and ACA levels were normal. Raw data for one-stage factor assays demonstrated the presence of an inhibitor. Analysis for LA was undertaken by DRVVT, KCT, activated seven lupus anticoagulant assay, Taipan snake venom time, platelet neutralisation procedures (PNP), Ecarin time and PT using rabbit brain thromboplastin. The results revealed a LA capable of prolonging the clotting times of the PNPs and PT using recombinant thromboplastin, but that was corrected using Ecarin venom, modified PNP and brain thromboplastin. The antibody also demonstrated the lupus anticoagulant co-factor effect. The factor VIII: C was markedly raised which may have masked the LA in the APTT. The changing laboratory profile over time demonstrates the effects of LA heterogeneity and variations in sensitivity and specificity of assays for the detection of antiphospholipid antibodies.