Neonatal lupus erythematosus with congenital heart block in twins

Tunis Med. 2016 Jul;94(7):401-404.

Abstract

Background - Neonatal lupus erythematosus is an uncommon acquired autoimmune disease caused by transplacental passage of maternal antibodies SSA/Ro, SSB/La or U1 ribonucleoproteins. The most common clinical manifestations are skin rash, cardiac lesions, thrombocytopenia, anemia and hepatosplenomegaly. Complete congenital heart block is usually irreversible needing a pacemaker implantation in two-thirds of cases. Cases report - We report neonatal lupus erythematosus with complete congenital heart block in twins. Newborns were delivered by caesarean section at week 38 of gestation with a heart rate regular at 70 beats per minute. Both twins and mother were positive for antinuclear, anti-SSA, and anti-SSB antibodies. Twins received single-chamber pacemaker implants at day 12 of life. The evolution was immediately favorable with a heart rate around 110 beats per minute. The follow-up was 2 years. The twins are currently asymptomatic. Conclusion - Complete congenital heart block is the most serious manifestation of the neonatal lupus erythematosus associated with significant morbidity and mortality.

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Antinuclear
  • Cesarean Section
  • Diseases in Twins / complications*
  • Diseases in Twins / therapy
  • Female
  • Heart Block / complications
  • Heart Block / congenital*
  • Heart Block / therapy
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / complications
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / congenital*
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / immunology
  • Pacemaker, Artificial*
  • Pregnancy

Substances

  • Antibodies, Antinuclear

Supplementary concepts

  • Congenital heart block
  • Neonatal Systemic lupus erythematosus