neonatal lupus erythematosus
Last reviewed 01/2018
This is a rare form of LE chracterised by red circular or arcuate lesions on the face and upper trunk. Circulating anti-Ro and anti-La antibodies are found in the mother. Both of these autoantibodies can cross the placenta.
Most of these children have complete heart block. Immunoglobulin and complement can be demonstrated in affected hearts.
In neonatal lupus the rash disappears after approximately the half life of the maternal immunoglobulin G. Generally the rash is gone after 6 months (1).
Reference:
- Walport MJ et al. Connective tissue diseases: advances in diagnosis and management. BJHM (1993); 50:121-31.