Rivaroxaban: new tool for antiphospholipid syndrome (lupus condition)

Rivaroxaban could be a safe treatment option for antiphospholipid syndrome, an important finding for people with lupus, says research published in The Lancet Haematology.

Thrombotic antiphospholipid syndrome is a rare condition, probably underdiagnosed, that is characterised by the formation of blood clots in the veins or arteries. It affects about 15% of people with lupus and can occur on its own too.

Rivaroxaban inhibits the formation of blood clots and is already used to treat venous thromboembolism.

The new study looked at if rivaroxaban could be useful in people with antiphospholipid syndrome. A total of 57 people received treatment with rivaroxaban and 58 people were given warfarin, an established blood-thinning therapy.

Analysis of the data showed that after 42 days there seemed to be no difference between the two drugs.

Importantly, no cases of major bleeding or thrombosis were seen with rivaroxaban during the six-month trial.

“It was previously unknown whether rivaroxaban is useful in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome,” says Dr Hannah Cohen, lead researcher. “We have shown… that this drug could be an effective, safe and convenient alternative to warfarin in some patients with antiphospholipid syndrome.”

To read more about lupus research click here.

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