Neonatal lupus erythematosus: a report of four cases

An Bras Dermatol. 2011 Mar-Apr;86(2):347-51. doi: 10.1590/s0365-05962011000200021.
[Article in English, Spanish]

Abstract

Neonatal lupus erythematosus is a very rare disease, clinically characterized by skin lesions that resemble those of subacute or discoid lupus erythematosus and/or congenital heart block. Generally, when patients have skin manifestations, they have no cardiac defects and vice-versa; however, in 10% of cases these manifestations may coexist. Other findings may include hematologic, hepatic and neurological abnormalities. This condition is caused by the transplacental passage of maternal autoantibodies against Ro (95%), La and, less frequently, U1-ribonucleoprotein (U1-RNP). The present case report describes four patients with clinical, histopathological and immunological findings compatible with neonatal lupus erythematosus, their treatment and progress.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydrocortisone / therapeutic use
  • Infant
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Cutaneous / congenital*
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Cutaneous / drug therapy
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Cutaneous / pathology
  • Male

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Hydrocortisone