Definition:
Neonatal lupus (short for Neonatal lupus erythematosus) is a rare disease that results from the transplacental passage of maternal autoantibodies.
Diagnosis:
Neonatal lupus can be diagnosed through laboratory analysis of maternal serum as well as neonatal serum. Liver function tests and a skin biopsy may also be required. Also vital are imaging studies, including: frequent ultrasonographic monitoring of the fetal heart rate; electrocardiography; and echocardiography.
Treatment:
Treatment for neonatal lupus patients with cardiac rhythm abnormalities depend on the underlying congenital heart defect. Skin lesions may be treated with mild steroids and laser treatment for residual telangiectasia. In severe cases of neonatal lupus, a pacemaker may be surgically implanted into the infant's heart and structural abnormalities may be repaired via surgery.
Symptoms and Signs:
The most common manifestations of neonatal lupus are dermatologic, cardiac, and hepatic. In some cases, affected infants may also show hematologic anomalies. In general, neonatal lupus presents with: low counts of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets; skin rashes; congenital heart block and other heart defects; and liver abnormalities.
Causes:
Neonatal lupus is caused when a mother contracts lupus erythematosus or other collagen vascular disorders and consequently produces antibodies against the diseases. These antibodies are then passively transported across the placenta to the fetus, thus leading to neonatal lupus.
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