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Objectives: to verify the occurrence of learning disabilities (LD) in the offspring of women affected by Primary Antiphospholipid Syndrome (PAPS) as consequence of fetal exposure of maternal antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL); to evaluate the impact of a maternal chronic disease on children’s development. Methods: we studied 17 children of mothers with PAPS with a standardized intelligence test (Wechsler Intelligence Scale-Revised), a specific LD battery of tests (Sartori, MT, AC-MT tests) and a questionnaire on behavioural and social characteristics (Child Behaviour Checklist, CBCL). Mothers were interviewed on their pregnancy and motherhood experience. Results: All the children had a normal intelligence level (Full Scale Intelligence Quotient, FSIQ >85); 15 pregnancies occurred in mothers with IgG aPL. LD were diagnosed in 4 children (26.7%), 2 male and 2 female. One out of these subjects was born premature with a brother also affected. Four children (26.7%) showed a higher risk to present problems in CBCL competence total scale and 2 subjects (13.3%) in CBCL behaviour total scale. Two children were described as hyperactive (1 of them was affected by a LD). All families presented a good socio-economical status and educational level. Conclusions: Besides prematurity, genetic and environmental factors, the genesis of LD may include also in utero exposure to aPL, in agreement with what described experimental models and in patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Socio-economical status does not seem to influenced the occurrence of LD. A long term multidisciplinary follow-up may ameliorate quality of life in patients with PAPS and in their children.

Nacinovich, R., Gali, J., Bomba, M., Filippini, E., Parrinello, G., Nuzzo, M., et al. (2008). Neuropsychological development of children born to patients with Antiphospholipid Syndrome Arthritis & Rheumatism. ARTHRITIS AND RHEUMATISM, 59(3), 345-351.

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