University of Tasmania, Australia

Honours

Additional Information

Thrombosis in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): The Role of Impaired Fibrinolysis

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder that is characterised by endothelial damage, inflammation and the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies. Patients with SLE have been known to be at a greater risk of developing blood clots compared to the healthy population, but the exact mechanism remains unclear. Notably, impaired blood clot breakdown (fibrinolysis) has been documented in patients of similar autoimmune disorders, such as the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS).

In a case-control study using age and sex-matched patients with SLE and normal controls, this project aims to measure the level and activity of fibrinolytic proteins in all subjects, thereby enabling us to determine if changes to fibrinolysis contribute to an increased risk of thrombosis in SLE patients. This study also aims to determine the association between endothelial damage, inflammation and the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies with the fibrinolytic changes seen in SLE patients.