[The clinical spectrum of cutaneous neonatal lupus erythematosus]

Neonatal lupus erythematosus (NLE) is an uncommon disease described mainly through isolated case reports and a few published series.

To examine the clinical and serological spectrum, and course of the disease in neonates with NLE and cutaneous involvement.

A retrospective study was performed that included all children with NLE that came to the Dermatology Department between 1995 and 2006.

Eight children with a diagnosis of NLE with cutaneous involvement were identified, with a male:female ratio of 3:1. Anti-Ro antibodies were found in all cases and no cases with anti-RNP antibodies were found. Facial lesions were observed in all cases and in 7 cases the skin eruptions cleared within 4.3 months; the remaining patient was still in follow up when the data were collected. The clinical course of patients who were followed up was satisfactory.

In our series, NLE was three times more frequent in males. Involvement of sun-exposed areas, such as the face with annular lesions was the most common finding. We found one case of NLE with cutaneous involvement and persistent ductus arteriosus. Anti-Ro antibodies were found in all cases and skin eruptions cleared by 7 months of age, concurrent with the waning of the maternally derived antibodies. Four of the mothers were asymptomatic and unaware of their condition, emphasizing the importance of following up these patients due to the possibility of developing an autoimmune disease.