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The bm12 Inducible Model of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) in C57BL/6 Mice
Published on: November 1, 2015
Long term prognosis of children born to lupus patients
A Murashima1, T Fukazawa, M Hirashima
1Department of Maternal Medicine, National Centre for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan. murasima-a@ncchs.go.jp
Insights
Children born to mothers with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) show a high prevalence of antinuclear antibodies (ANA), suggesting a genetic link. Further studies are needed to understand SLE pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
- Genetics
Background:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease with complex etiology.
- Understanding the long-term prognosis and potential genetic predispositions in offspring of SLE patients is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the long-term health outcomes and immunological markers in children of patients diagnosed with SLE.
- To identify potential genetic factors contributing to SLE pathogenesis in the offspring.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 195 children (4 months to 26 years) with SLE-affected parents underwent physical examinations and laboratory testing.
- Blood samples were analyzed for antinuclear antibodies (ANA), anti-DNA antibodies, and antiphospholipid antibodies.
- Data collection occurred across multiple visits between 1991 and 1998.
Main Results:
- 27% of children tested positive for ANA, significantly higher than the 7% in control groups.
- ANA positivity was more frequent in female children, particularly girls aged 4-8 years.
- Anti-DNA and antiphospholipid antibody incidence did not differ significantly from controls.
Conclusions:
- A high rate of ANA positivity in children of SLE patients suggests a significant genetic component in SLE development.
- Longitudinal monitoring of these children is essential for gaining insights into SLE pathogenesis and clinical progression.
Objective:
To determine the long term prognosis of children of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
Methods:
Children of patients with SLE were invited to attend our clinic for physical examination and laboratory tests. A total of 195 children (aged 4 months to 26 years; male = 82, female = 113) were examined in 1991, 1995, 1997, and 1998.
Results:
Two cases were diagnosed as SLE at the first visit and were excluded from the second visit. A significantly higher percentage (52/195 (27%)) of patients were positive for antinuclear antibodies (ANA) at a cut off serum dilution of 1/40 compared with controls (4/57 (7%)). ANA were detected more frequently in female subjects than in men (p<0.05). Forty four subjects were examined on more than two occasions. Nine of the 10 patients who were positive for ANA at the second visit were girls aged 4-8 years. The incidence of anti-DNA and antiphospholipid antibodies in children of patients with SLE was similar to that in the controls.
Conclusions:
The finding that children, especially girls, born to maternal lupus patients had a high positive rate for ANA suggests that a genetic factor is involved in SLE pathogenesis. Longitudinal observation of these patients may provide important clinical information and clues to the pathogenesis of SLE.
