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Outcome of infants from mothers with anti-SSA/Ro antibodies

M Motta1, C Rodriguez-Perez, A Tincani

  • 1Department of Neonatology and NICU, Spedali Civili-Brescia, Italy. lvmott@tin.it

Journal of Perinatology : Official Journal of the California Perinatal Association
|March 17, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Neonates born to mothers with connective tissue disease and anti-SSA/Ro antibodies showed a higher incidence of first-degree atrioventricular block. Hematologic and hepatobiliary abnormalities were infrequent.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal immunology
  • Cardiology
  • Rheumatology

Background:

  • Maternal connective tissue disease (CTD) can impact fetal development.
  • Anti-SSA/Ro antibodies are associated with neonatal complications, particularly cardiac issues.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess electrocardiographic and laboratory abnormalities in neonates exposed to anti-SSA/Ro antibodies.
  • To compare these findings with neonates born to mothers with CTD but without anti-SSA/Ro antibodies.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective collection of ECG and laboratory data (blood counts, liver/renal function) from 51 infants of anti-SSA/Ro-positive mothers with CTD.
  • Comparison with 50 control infants from anti-ENA-negative mothers with CTD.
  • Exclusion of one infant with congenital complete heart block.

Main Results:

  • Five infants (study group) presented with first-degree atrioventricular block at birth, versus none in the control group (P=0.023).
  • Atrioventricular blocks were either self-resolving or stable during the first year.
  • A trend towards prolonged corrected QT interval was noted in the study group (P=0.060).

Conclusions:

  • Neonates exposed to anti-SSA/Ro antibodies demonstrate a significantly increased prevalence of first-degree atrioventricular block.
  • Contrary to prior research, this study found a low incidence of hematologic abnormalities and no hepatobiliary disease.
Abstract

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