Clinical Features, Autoantibodies, and Outcome of Neonatal Lupus Erythematosus

Objectives: To explore the clinical features, autoantibodies, and outcome of neonatal lupus erythematosus (NLE). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all NLE cases from January 2012 to May 2019 that occurred in our department. Results: Cutaneous, cardiac, hematologic, and hepatobiliary manifestations were found in 36.7%, 56.7%, 56.7%, and 30.0% of cases, respectively. The presence of anti-SSA antibodies was correlated with cardiac presentation (p = .026) and the presence of anti-SSB antibodies was associated with cutaneous lesions (p = .015). During the follow-up, one patient with a third-degree atrioventricular block died, and a third-degree AV block persists in a child without a pacemaker at 4-years of age. No other manifestations of NLE were observed after the age of 12 months. Conclusions: Anti-SSA and anti-SSB are associated with cardiac and cutaneous manifestations in NLE. Most children with NLE have excellent outcomes with symptom resolution by one year. Complete congenital heart block may persist.