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Maternal autoimmune systemic connective tissue disease and vasculitis and electrocardiographic findings in the

Sarah Sofie Andersen1, Terese Frellesen Neumann1, Sofie Dannesbo1

  • 1Department of Cardiology, The Heart Centre, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.

Journal of Autoimmunity
|January 10, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Neonates exposed to maternal autoimmune diseases generally showed normal ECGs. However, those exposed to antiphospholipid syndrome had longer QRS and QTc intervals, warranting further study.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Neonatology
  • Rheumatology

Background:

  • Maternal autoimmune systemic connective tissue diseases (CTDs) and associated antibodies are linked to adverse fetal outcomes.
  • Previous research suggests a connection between maternal CTDs and neonatal heart conditions like complete heart block.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between maternal CTD or vasculitis and neonatal electrocardiographic (ECG) parameters.
  • To compare ECG parameters in neonates exposed to maternal CTDs/vasculitis versus unexposed controls.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective, population-based cohort study (Copenhagen Baby Heart Study) of neonates.
  • Matching exposed neonates (mothers with CTD/vasculitis) 1:3 to unexposed controls based on demographic and clinical factors.
  • Validation of maternal diagnoses via medical record review and comparison of ECG parameters.

Main Results:

  • No significant overall differences in ECG parameters (heart rate, PR interval, QRS axis, QRS duration, QT/QTc interval, wave amplitudes) between exposed and unexposed neonates.
  • Neonates born to mothers with antiphospholipid syndrome showed significantly longer QRS duration and corrected QT (QTc) intervals compared to controls.
  • Subanalyses for anti-Ro/SSA antibodies did not reveal significant between-group differences.

Conclusions:

  • Overall, maternal CTD or vasculitis did not significantly alter neonatal ECG parameters in this cohort.
  • Neonates exposed to maternal antiphospholipid syndrome exhibited prolonged QRS and QTc intervals, suggesting a potential specific impact.
  • Further research in larger cohorts is needed to understand the clinical implications of these findings.
Abstract

Keywords:
AutoantibodyAutoimmune diseaseCongenital heart blockCongenital heart disease

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