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Maternal systemic lupus erythematosus associated with fetal congenital heart block. A case report
Insights
Congenital heart block (CHB) in infants can result from maternal autoimmune diseases like lupus. A sonar-atropine test can aid in diagnosing CHB, preventing unnecessary interventions.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Obstetrics
- Immunology
Background:
- Congenital heart block (CHB) is a rare condition causing fetal bradycardia.
- Misdiagnosis of CHB as fetal distress can lead to harmful obstetric interventions.
- Maternal autoimmune disorders, particularly systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), are associated with CHB in offspring.
Observation:
- A case of CHB in an infant born to a mother with asymptomatic SLE is presented.
- The sonar-atropine test is highlighted as a valuable diagnostic tool.
Findings:
- The study reports a case of CHB in an infant of a mother with previously undiagnosed SLE.
- The sonar-atropine test proved useful in the diagnostic workup.
Implications:
- Early diagnosis of CHB through specific tests like the sonar-atropine test is crucial.
- Recognizing the link between maternal SLE and CHB can prevent adverse obstetric outcomes.
- This case underscores the importance of considering autoimmune etiologies in fetal bradycardia.
Abstract:
Congenital heart block (CHB) is a rare cause of fetal bradycardia and, if misinterpreted as fetal distress, may lead to detrimental obstetric intervention. There is a definite association between systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), as well as other connective tissue disorders in the mother and CHB in her offspring. A case of CHB in the child of a mother with asymptomatic SLE is reported and a useful diagnostic investigation, the sonar-atropine test, is described.