All are true regarding lupus anticoagulant except
**Core Concept**
Lupus anticoagulant is an autoantibody that acts as a cofactor for the inactivation of proteins C and S, leading to a hypercoagulable state despite its name suggesting an anticoagulant effect. It is associated with an increased risk of thrombosis and is often seen in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Lupus anticoagulant is indeed associated with an increased risk of thrombosis, particularly in the form of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. This occurs due to the inactivation of proteins C and S, which are essential for the regulation of coagulation. The presence of lupus anticoagulant can also be associated with a false-positive test for syphilis, known as the Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) test.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because lupus anticoagulant is indeed associated with an increased risk of thrombosis, not a decreased risk.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because lupus anticoagulant can cause a false-positive test for syphilis, not a false-negative test.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because lupus anticoagulant is not typically associated with an increased risk of bleeding, but rather with a hypercoagulable state.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It is essential to recognize that the presence of lupus anticoagulant can lead to a paradoxical increase in thrombotic risk, despite its name suggesting an anticoagulant effect. This is a crucial consideration in the management of patients with SLE or other conditions associated with lupus anticoagulant.
**Correct Answer:** A