Infants born to mothers with anti-SSA/Ro autoantibodies: neonatal outcome and follow-up

Clin Pediatr (Phila). 2008 Apr;47(3):231-6. doi: 10.1177/0009922807307264. Epub 2007 Dec 5.

Abstract

Neonatal lupus syndrome is considered a model of passively acquired autoimmune disease. The first 10 newborns born to mothers with connective tissue disease and positive for anti-SSA/Ro antibodies enrolled in a follow-up program to evaluate the incidence of cardiac, hepatobiliary, hematologic, echoencephalographic, and cutaneous manifestations until 9 months of age are described in this study. No congenital heart block was observed, but only transient rhythm alterations were observed. In all, 1 infant showed typical neonatal lupus syndrome skin lesions at 3 months of age. During the neonatal period, echoencephalographic alterations were found more frequently, whereas at follow-up, hepatic and hematologic alterations were more often observed. In all, 1 baby showed persistent neutropenia. A standard program that enrolls all infants born to mothers with anti-SSA/Ro autoantibodies, who are at risk of developing neonatal lupus syndrome, should also include tests performed some time after birth, as a number of clinical manifestations might appear at a late stage.

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Antinuclear / blood*
  • Autoimmunity
  • Continuity of Patient Care
  • Echoencephalography
  • Exanthema / etiology
  • Female
  • Heart Block / congenital
  • Heart Block / etiology
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Outcome*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Antinuclear
  • SS-A antibodies