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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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Silver R, Craigo S, Porter F, Osmundson SS, Kuller JA, Norton ME. Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine Consult Series #64: Systemic lupus erythematosus in pregnancy. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2023; 228:B41-B60. [PMID: 36084704 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2022.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, multisystem, inflammatory autoimmune disease characterized by relapses (commonly called "flares") and remission. Many organs may be involved, and although the manifestations are highly variable, the kidneys, joints, and skin are commonly affected. Immunologic abnormalities, including the production of antinuclear antibodies, are also characteristic of the disease. Maternal morbidity and mortality are substantially increased in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, and an initial diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus during pregnancy is associated with increased morbidity. Common complications of systemic lupus erythematosus include nephritis, hematologic complications such as thrombocytopenia, and a variety of neurologic abnormalities. The purpose of this document is to examine potential pregnancy complications and to provide recommendations on treatment and management of systemic lupus erythematosus during pregnancy. The following are the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine recommendations: (1) we recommend low-dose aspirin beginning at 12 weeks of gestation until delivery in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus to decrease the occurrence of preeclampsia (GRADE 1B); (2) we recommend that all patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, other than those with quiescent disease, either continue or initiate hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) in pregnancy (GRADE 1B); (3) we suggest that for all other patients with quiescent disease activity who are not taking HCQ or other medications, it is reasonable to engage in shared decision-making regarding whether to initiate new therapy with this medication in consultation with the patient's rheumatologist (GRADE 2B); (4) we recommend that prolonged use (>48 hours) of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) generally be avoided during pregnancy (GRADE 1A); (5) we recommend that COX-2 inhibitors and full-dose aspirin be avoided during pregnancy (GRADE 1B); (6) we recommend discontinuing methotrexate 1-3 months and mycophenolate mofetil/mycophenolic acid at least 6 weeks before attempting pregnancy (GRADE 1A); (7) we suggest the decision to initiate, continue, or discontinue biologics in pregnancy be made in collaboration with a rheumatologist and be individualized to the patient (GRADE 2C); (8) we suggest treatment with a combination of prophylactic unfractionated or low-molecular-weight heparin and low-dose aspirin for patients without a previous thrombotic event who meet obstetrical criteria for antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) (GRADE 2B); (9) we recommend therapeutic unfractionated or low-molecular-weight heparin for patients with a history of thrombosis and antiphospholipid (aPL) antibodies (GRADE 1B); (10) we suggest treatment with low-dose aspirin alone in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and antiphospholipid antibodies without clinical events meeting criteria for antiphospholipid syndrome (GRADE 2C); (11) we recommend that steroids not be routinely used for the treatment of fetal heart block due to anti-Sjögren's-syndrome-related antigen A or B (anti-SSA/SSB) antibodies given their unproven benefit and the known risks for both the pregnant patient and fetus (GRADE 1C); (12) we recommend that serial fetal echocardiograms for assessment of the PR interval not be routinely performed in patients with anti-SSA/SSB antibodies outside of a clinical trial setting (GRADE 1B); (13) we recommend that patients with systemic lupus erythematosus undergo prepregnancy counseling with both maternal-fetal medicine and rheumatology specialists that includes a discussion regarding maternal and fetal risks (GRADE 1C); (14) we recommend that pregnancy be generally discouraged in patients with severe maternal risk, including patients with active nephritis; severe pulmonary, cardiac, renal, or neurologic disease; recent stroke; or pulmonary hypertension (GRADE 1C); (15) we recommend antenatal testing and serial growth scans in pregnant patients with systemic lupus erythematosus because of the increased risk of fetal growth restriction (FGR) and stillbirth (GRADE 1B); and (16) we recommend adherence to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention medical eligibility criteria for contraceptive use in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (GRADE 1B).
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Mehdi MQ, Franco Fuenmayor ME, Aly AM. Discordant expression of maternal SLE in twin pregnancy with a single fetal AV block: A case report. J Neonatal Perinatal Med 2022; 15:863-866. [PMID: 35491806 DOI: 10.3233/npm-210819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
There are multiple manifestations in the neonatal period for infants born to mothers with systematic lupus erythematosus (SLE), ranging from cardiac, hematologic and dermatologic abnormalities. Cardiac complications may arise in utero in the form of heart block with a resulting increase in fetal mortality. The fetal conduction system is suspected to be affected by transplacental maternal antibodies, however additional environmental and fetal factors appear to play a role. We describe a rare case of a dichorionic-diamniotic twin pregnancy in which only one twin developed a complete heart block progressing to hydrops fetalis and fetal demise.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Q Mehdi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - M E Franco Fuenmayor
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - A M Aly
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
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Envain F, Vandendriessche D, Mehros W, Houfflin-Debarge V, Garabedian C, Rakza T. Discordant immune complete heart block and growth restriction in dichorionic twin pregnancy with permanent pacemaker implantation of an 1140 g neonate. J Gynecol Obstet Hum Reprod 2019; 48:699-701. [PMID: 31075433 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogoh.2019.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Revised: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Fetal atrioventricular block is a rare pathology, mostly due to placental transmission of maternal SSA/Ro and SSB/La antibodies, and can lead to severe fetal or neonatal outcomes. We report a case of dichorionic, diamniotic twin pregnancy, with maternal SSA/Ro antibodies. Isolated complete atrioventricular block was diagnosed at 23 weeks in one fetus (Twin A), while the second fetus (Twin B) remained in normal sinus rhythm. Severe asymmetric intrauterine growth restriction occurred in Twin A. Delivery was by caesarean section at 32 + 2 weeks. Neonatal permanent pacemaker was inserted on the first day after birth in 1140 g neonate. Discordant heart block in twin pregnancy has already been reported in a few dichorionic pregnancies, but the pathway of discordant disease expression remains unclear. Extraction decision is a dilemma between cardiac failure prevention and prematurity associated twin morbidity. This case shows a successful pacing in a very low birth weight neonate.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Envain
- Hôpital Jeanne de Flandre, clinique d'obstétrique, CHU de Lille, 59037 Lille Cedex, France.
| | - David Vandendriessche
- Hôpital Jeanne de Flandre, clinique d'obstétrique, CHU de Lille, 59037 Lille Cedex, France
| | - Wala Mehros
- Hôpital Jeanne de Flandre, clinique d'obstétrique, CHU de Lille, 59037 Lille Cedex, France
| | | | - Charles Garabedian
- Hôpital Jeanne de Flandre, clinique d'obstétrique, CHU de Lille, 59037 Lille Cedex, France
| | - Thameur Rakza
- Hôpital Jeanne de Flandre, clinique d'obstétrique, CHU de Lille, 59037 Lille Cedex, France; Hôpital Jeanne de Flandre, Service de pédiatrie en maternité, CHU de Lille 59037, Lille Cedex, France; Hôpital Jeanne de Flandre, Service de cardiologie pédiatrique et foetale, France
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Brito-Zerón P, Izmirly PM, Ramos-Casals M, Buyon JP, Khamashta MA. Autoimmune congenital heart block: complex and unusual situations. Lupus 2016; 25:116-28. [PMID: 26762645 DOI: 10.1177/0961203315624024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Autoimmune congenital heart block (ACHB) is an immune-mediated cardiac disease included among the manifestations collectively referred to as neonatal lupus. The placental transference of maternal Ro/La autoantibodies may damage the conduction tissues during fetal development leading to blocking of signal conduction at the atrioventricular (AV) node in an otherwise structurally normal heart. Irreversible complete AV block is the main cardiac manifestation of ACHB, but some babies may develop endocardial fibroelastosis, valvular insufficiency, and/or frank cardiomyopathies with significantly reduced cardiac function requiring transplant. The severity of ACHB is illustrated by a global mortality rate of 20% and pacemaker rates of at least 64%, often within the first year of life. This review analyses the main complex and/or unusual clinical situations associated with ACHB, including unusual maternal immunological profiles, infrequent maternal autoimmune diseases, cardiac damage unrelated to AV block, fetal invasive management, late complications after birth, risk of congenital heart block (CHB) in ovodonation and in vitro fertilization techniques, the role of maternal features other than autoimmunity, the influence of the birth order or the risk of CHB in twins and triplets.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Brito-Zerón
- Josep Font Laboratory of Autoimmune Diseases, Department of Autoimmune Diseases, Hospital Clínic, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - P M Izmirly
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, USA
| | - M Ramos-Casals
- Josep Font Laboratory of Autoimmune Diseases, Department of Autoimmune Diseases, Hospital Clínic, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - J P Buyon
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, USA
| | - M A Khamashta
- Graham Hughes Lupus Research Laboratory, The Rayne Institute, Division of Women's Health, Kings College London St Thomas Hospital, United Kingdom
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Abstract
We report a case of dichorionic, diamniotic twins who developed similar erythematous, annular, erosive plaques in the inguinal folds in the first few weeks of life that were refractory to topical antifungals and oral antibiotics. The twins were found to have high transaminase levels, antinuclear antibody positivity, and anti-SSS/Ro) and anti-SSB/La autoantibodies. The rash resolved without scarring by 7 months of age with the use of low-potency topical corticosteroids. We suggest that physicians consider neonatal lupus erythematosus in neonates with atypical eruptions occurring in sun-protected skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lacy L Sommer
- Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, New Jersey
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Abstract
Autoimmune congenital heart block (CHB) is an immune-mediated acquired disease that is associated with the placental transference of maternal antibodies specific for Ro and La autoantigens. The disease develops in a fetal heart without anatomical abnormalities that could otherwise explain the block, and which is usually diagnosed in utero, but also at birth or within the neonatal period. Autoantibody-mediated damage of fetal conduction tissues causes inflammation and fibrosis and leads to blockage of signal conduction at the atrioventricular (AV) node. Irreversible complete AV block is the principal cardiac manifestation of CHB, although some babies might develop other severe cardiac complications, such as endocardial fibroelastosis or valvular insufficiency, even in the absence of cardiac block. In this Review, we discuss the epidemiology, classification and management of women whose pregnancies are affected by autoimmune CHB, with a particular focus on the autoantibodies associated with autoimmune CHB and how we should test for these antibodies and diagnose this disease. Without confirmed effective preventive or therapeutic strategies and further research on the aetiopathogenic mechanisms, autoimmune CHB will remain a severe life-threatening disorder.
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Karakulak UN, Cengaver MK, Aladağ E, Maharjan N. Dizygotic twin with congenital AV block. Anatol J Cardiol 2015; 15:89. [PMID: 25550265 PMCID: PMC5336928 DOI: 10.5152/akd.2014.5698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Uğur Nadir Karakulak
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University; Ankara-Turkey.
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