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Howley L, Eyerly-Webb S, Killen SAS, Paul E, Krishnan A, Gropler MRF, Drewes B, Dion E, Lund A, Buyon JP, Cuneo BF. Variation in prenatal surveillance and management of anti-SSA/Ro autoantibody positive pregnancies. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2024; 37:2323623. [PMID: 38443062 PMCID: PMC11005667 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2024.2323623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe international surveillance and treatment strategies for managing anti-SSA/Ro autoantibody positive pregnancies. STUDY DESIGN An electronic REDCap questionnaire was distributed to Fetal Heart Society and North American Fetal Therapy Network members which queried institution-based risk stratification, surveillance methods/frequency, conduction abnormality treatments, and postnatal anti-SSA/Ro pregnancy assessment. RESULTS 101 responses from 59 centers (59% US, 17% international) were collected. Most (79%) do not risk stratify pregnancies by anti-SSA/Ro titer; those that do use varied cutoff values. Many pregnant rheumatology patients are monitored for cardiac abnormalities regardless of maternal anti-SSA/Ro status. Surveillance strategies were based on maternal factors (anti-SSA/Ro status 85%, titer 25%, prior affected child 79%) and monitoring durations varied. Most respondents treat 2° and 3° fetal atrioventricular block, commonly with dexamethasone and/or IVIG. CONCLUSIONS Wide variation exists in current fetal cardiac surveillance and treatment for anti-SSA/Ro autoantibody positive pregnancies, highlighting the need for evidence-based protocols to optimize care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Howley
- Midwest Fetal Care Center, Children’s Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- The Children’s Heart Clinic, Children’s Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN USA
| | | | - Stacy A. S. Killen
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Erin Paul
- Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai Children’s Heart Center, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Bailey Drewes
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Eric Dion
- Midwest Fetal Care Center, Children’s Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Amy Lund
- Midwest Fetal Care Center, Children’s Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- The Children’s Heart Clinic, Children’s Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN USA
| | - Jill P. Buyon
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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Killen SAS, Strasburger JF. Diagnosis and Management of Fetal Arrhythmias in the Current Era. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2024; 11:163. [PMID: 38921663 PMCID: PMC11204159 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd11060163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Diagnosis and management of fetal arrhythmias have changed over the past 40-50 years since propranolol was first used to treat fetal tachycardia in 1975 and when first attempts were made at in utero pacing for complete heart block in 1986. Ongoing clinical trials, including the FAST therapy trial for fetal tachycardia and the STOP-BLOQ trial for anti-Ro-mediated fetal heart block, are working to improve diagnosis and management of fetal arrhythmias for both mother and fetus. We are also learning more about how "silent arrhythmias", like long QT syndrome and other inherited channelopathies, may be identified by recognizing "subtle" abnormalities in fetal heart rate, and while echocardiography yet remains the primary tool for diagnosing fetal arrhythmias, research efforts continue to advance the clinical envelope for fetal electrocardiography and fetal magnetocardiography. Pharmacologic management of fetal arrhythmias remains one of the most successful achievements of fetal intervention. Patience, vigilance, and multidisciplinary collaboration are key to successful diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacy A. S. Killen
- Thomas P. Graham Jr. Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, 2200 Children’s Way, Suite 5230, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Janette F. Strasburger
- Division of Cardiology, Departments of Pediatrics and Biomedical Engineering, Children’s Wisconsin, Herma Heart Institute, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA;
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Di Ludovico A, Rinaldi M, Mainieri F, Di Michele S, Girlando V, Ciarelli F, La Bella S, Chiarelli F, Attanasi M, Mauro A, Bizzi E, Brucato A, Breda L. Molecular Mechanisms of Fetal and Neonatal Lupus: A Narrative Review of an Autoimmune Disease Transferal across the Placenta. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5224. [PMID: 38791261 PMCID: PMC11120786 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
This study, conducted by searching keywords such as "maternal lupus", "neonatal lupus", and "congenital heart block" in databases including PubMed and Scopus, provides a detailed narrative review on fetal and neonatal lupus. Autoantibodies like anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB may cross the placenta and cause complications in neonates, such as congenital heart block (CHB). Management options involve hydroxychloroquine, which is able to counteract some of the adverse events, although the drug needs to be used carefully because of its impact on the QTc interval. Advanced pacing strategies for neonates with CHB, especially in severe forms like hydrops, are also assessed. This review emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary care by rheumatologists, obstetricians, and pediatricians in order to achieve the best maternal and neonatal health in lupus pregnancies. This multidisciplinary approach seeks to improve the outcomes and management of the disease, decreasing the burden on mothers and their infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armando Di Ludovico
- Paediatric Department, University of Chieti “G. D’Annunzio”, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.D.L.); (F.M.); (V.G.); (F.C.); (S.L.B.); (F.C.); (M.A.)
| | - Marta Rinaldi
- Paediatric Department, Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust, Aylesbury-Thames Valley Deanery, Aylesbury HP21 8AL, UK;
| | - Francesca Mainieri
- Paediatric Department, University of Chieti “G. D’Annunzio”, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.D.L.); (F.M.); (V.G.); (F.C.); (S.L.B.); (F.C.); (M.A.)
| | - Stefano Di Michele
- Department of Surgical Science, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria Blocco I, Asse didattico Medicina P2, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy;
| | - Virginia Girlando
- Paediatric Department, University of Chieti “G. D’Annunzio”, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.D.L.); (F.M.); (V.G.); (F.C.); (S.L.B.); (F.C.); (M.A.)
| | - Francesca Ciarelli
- Paediatric Department, University of Chieti “G. D’Annunzio”, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.D.L.); (F.M.); (V.G.); (F.C.); (S.L.B.); (F.C.); (M.A.)
| | - Saverio La Bella
- Paediatric Department, University of Chieti “G. D’Annunzio”, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.D.L.); (F.M.); (V.G.); (F.C.); (S.L.B.); (F.C.); (M.A.)
| | - Francesco Chiarelli
- Paediatric Department, University of Chieti “G. D’Annunzio”, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.D.L.); (F.M.); (V.G.); (F.C.); (S.L.B.); (F.C.); (M.A.)
| | - Marina Attanasi
- Paediatric Department, University of Chieti “G. D’Annunzio”, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.D.L.); (F.M.); (V.G.); (F.C.); (S.L.B.); (F.C.); (M.A.)
| | - Angela Mauro
- Pediatric Rheumatology Unit, Department of Childhood and Developmental Medicine, Fatebenefratelli—Sacco Hospital, Piazzale Principessa Clotilde, 20121 Milan, Italy
| | - Emanuele Bizzi
- Division of Internal Medicine, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Fatebenefratelli Hospital, University of Milan, 20121 Milan, Italy; (E.B.); (A.B.)
| | - Antonio Brucato
- Division of Internal Medicine, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Fatebenefratelli Hospital, University of Milan, 20121 Milan, Italy; (E.B.); (A.B.)
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences “Sacco”, University of Milano, Ospedale Fatebenefratelli, 20121 Milan, Italy
| | - Luciana Breda
- Paediatric Department, University of Chieti “G. D’Annunzio”, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.D.L.); (F.M.); (V.G.); (F.C.); (S.L.B.); (F.C.); (M.A.)
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Huang Y, Deng J, Liu J, Yang F, He Y. Autoimmune congenital heart block: a case report and review of the literature related to pathogenesis and pregnancy management. Arthritis Res Ther 2024; 26:8. [PMID: 38167489 PMCID: PMC10759413 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-023-03246-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune congenital heart block (ACHB) is a passively acquired immune-mediated disease characterized by the presence of maternal antibodies against components of the Ro/SSA and La/SSB ribonucleoprotein complex that mainly affects the cardiac conducting system. ACHB occurs in 2% of women with positive anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB antibodies and causes a high risk of intrauterine fetal death, neonatal mortality, and long-term sequelae. In this review, we first describe a case of ACHB to provide preliminary knowledge. Then, we discuss the possible pathogenic mechanisms of ACHB; summarize the pregnancy management of patients with positive anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB antibodies and/or rheumatic diseases, the prevention of ACHB, and the treatment of ACHB fetuses; and propose routine screening of these antibodies for the general population. Careful follow-up, which consists of monitoring the fetal heart rate, is feasible and reassuring for pregnant women with positive anti-Ro/SSA and/or anti-La/SSB antibodies to lower the risk of ACHB in fetuses. Moreover, maternal administration of hydroxychloroquine may be useful in preventing ACHB in pregnant women with anti-Ro/SSA and/or anti-La/SSB antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Huang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, No. 183, Zhongshan Avenue West, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510630, China
- Institute of Clinical Immunology, Academy of Orthopedics, Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jialin Deng
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, No. 183, Zhongshan Avenue West, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510630, China
- Institute of Clinical Immunology, Academy of Orthopedics, Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinghua Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fangyuan Yang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, No. 183, Zhongshan Avenue West, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510630, China.
- Institute of Clinical Immunology, Academy of Orthopedics, Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Yi He
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, No. 183, Zhongshan Avenue West, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510630, China.
- Institute of Clinical Immunology, Academy of Orthopedics, Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China.
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Mosimann B, Amylidi-Mohr S, Surbek D, Förger F, Raio L. Use of Polynomial Reference Ranges for Atrioventricular Intervals Assessed by Fetal Echocardiography in Anti-Ro/SSA Antibody-Positive Pregnancies to Exclude Fetal Heart Blocks: A Pilot Study. Fetal Diagn Ther 2023; 50:422-429. [PMID: 37497922 DOI: 10.1159/000531780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Maternal anti-Ro/SSA antibodies can cause fetal atrioventricular blocks (AVB). This pilot study aims to apply previously published echocardiographic reference ranges of the fetal atrioventricular (AV) intervals in the setting of anti-Ro/SSA antibody-positive pregnancies in order to exclude a 1° AVB. MATERIALS AND METHODS Between January 2018 and September 2022, we included all women with known anti-Ro/SSA antibodies followed up at the prenatal ultrasound department of the University Hospital of Bern. AV intervals were serially measured by two previously reported methods and plotted against previously created reference ranges. RESULTS We included 23 pregnancies from 17 anti-Ro/SSA antibody-positive women with connective tissue diseases. 443 AV interval measurements were recorded between 16+3 and 38+4 weeks of gestation. 14 (3.2%) AV-intervals measured >150 ms, none measured >170 ms and 8 (1.8%) were found to be >95th percentile. In none of the pregnancies, serial AV-prolongations were noted. The postnatal electrocardiograms demonstrated normal sinus rhythm without AVB in all children. CONCLUSION AV intervals of pregnancies followed up for anti-Ro/SSA antibodies without neonatal AVB lie within our published polynomial reference ranges. While diagnosing a 1° AVB remains controversial, more data are needed to prove that our reference ranges are helpful exclude a 1° AVB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Mosimann
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sofia Amylidi-Mohr
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Surbek
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Frauke Förger
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Luigi Raio
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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