Low red cell counts and the associated low level of haemoglobin in the blood can result from the effect of antibodies attacking the red cells and causing their destruction, a process called haemolytic anaemia. It is more common though to have anaemia due to poor production of red cells in the hone marrow. This usually occurs as a side-effect of general inflammation in the body due to lupus. Rarely is anaemia caused by drugs but this is possible. In more severe cases, the person may become short of breath even in the absence of lung disease because there is not enough oxygen in the blood.
Low platelets are usually due to antibodies and less commonly the result of drug side-effects.
This is a painful condition, as not enough blood can get through a blood vessel containing a clot and this causes damage to that part of the body. The underlying cause of this thrombotic condition is known as antiphospholipid syndrome, as there is a group of antibodies present which interferes with phospholipids in platelets and other cells and proteins involved in clotting. Apart from causing low platelet counts, deep vein thrombosis and possibly pulmonary embolism, antiphospholipid antibodies can cause blood clots in the major arteries of the body This can result in conditions such as heart attack or stroke. In women of childbearing age, these antibodies can also cause miscarriages or stillbirths due to blood clots forming in the placenta which prevent nutrients from reaching the developing baby during pregnancy. Antiphospholipid antibodies interfere with many of the conventional clotting tests because these tests depend on phospholipid for the test to work normally.