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Review
. 2024 May 10;25(10):5224.
doi: 10.3390/ijms25105224.

Molecular Mechanisms of Fetal and Neonatal Lupus: A Narrative Review of an Autoimmune Disease Transferal across the Placenta

Armando Di Ludovico  1 , Marta Rinaldi  2 , Francesca Mainieri  1 , Stefano Di Michele  3 , Virginia Girlando  1 , Francesca Ciarelli  1 , Saverio La Bella  1 , Francesco Chiarelli  1 , Marina Attanasi  1 , Angela Mauro  4 , Emanuele Bizzi  5 , Antonio Brucato  5   6 , Luciana Breda  1
Affiliations
Review

Molecular Mechanisms of Fetal and Neonatal Lupus: A Narrative Review of an Autoimmune Disease Transferal across the Placenta

Armando Di Ludovico et al. Int J Mol Sci. .

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.

Keywords: autoantibodies; congenital heart block; neonatal lupus erythematosus.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest. No part of the review, including its graphics, are copied or published elsewhere in whole or in part.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Management of Neonatal Lupus.
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This manuscript received no external funding.
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