94: Blood Clots in Lupus

Blood clots in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: The roles of impaired fibrinolysis ($48, 018 – 2 yrs) – Dr Murray Adams and Assoc Prof Alhossain Khalafallah

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (also known as SLE or “Lupus”) have a range of clinical problems, including inflammation, skin rashes, renal disorders and infections. SLE patients are also more likely to delvelop thrombosis (“blood clots”) than the general population, but the reason(s) why are currently unknown. One possible explanation is that the body’s natural way of dissolving blood clots i.e. fibrinolysis, is impaired in some manner by the disease. This study will therefore investigate whether fibrinolysis is impaired in SLE patients, and whether it is also associated with other changes seen in the disorder e.g. lupus antibodies, inflammation and blood vessel abnormalities. The knowledge gained from this project will aid in understanding how blood clots in SLE occur, which will help in the development of more target specific therapies and/or approaches to treatment.