[Neonatal lupus erythematosus and maternal HELLP syndrome: is there a pathogenetic link?]

A newborn boy developed annular erythematous lesions on his entire body. Histopathological examination showed typical features of lupus erythematosus. His mother was positive for anti-Ro/SSa and anti-La/SSb antibodies. Neonatal lupus erythematosus was diagnosed. During pregnancy the mother had suffered from HELLP syndrome. The reported case points out the necessity to differentiate HELLP syndrome from first manifestation of lupus erythematosus during pregnancy. A direct causal relationship between neonatal lupus erythematosus and HELLP syndrome of the mother seems to be unlikely.