[Polymorphism and differential diagnosis of neonatal lupus erythematosus]

Neonatal lupus erythematosus (NEL) is a rare condition secondary to transplacental transfer of maternal anti-nuclear antibodies, generally anti-Ro/SSA. The most common signs are dermatological and cardiac. The most frequently reported clinical association is periorbital erythema, known as "owl eye", and bipolar erythematous maculopapular plaques with fine scales. However, many semiological variants can result in diagnostic errors or delays.

This was a single-centre retrospective observational study collating all cases of NEL seen at paediatric dermatology consultations between 2010 and 2018. The diagnosis of NEL was confirmed by the presence of specific antinuclear antibodies (ANA) in the mother. The aim was to describe the different clinical forms of NEL and to discuss differential diagnosis.

We identified ten cases of NEL, all addressed without diagnosis or with misdiagnosis. They were divided into 3 groups based on the semiology of skin lesions: 5 presented inflammatory macular papules on the cephalic extremity and head; 3 presented acquired periorbital depigmentation; 2 presented atrophic and diffuse livedoid lesions. None had heart disease and associated haematological and hepatic damage was mild. Spontaneous remission was seen in all cases before the age of 6 months. The mothers, who were generally symptom-free or paucisymptomatic, presented anti-Ro/SSA NAAs.

Recognition of the different clinical forms of NEL enables early institution of suitable therapy and monitoring of subsequent pregnancies.