Neonatal lupus erythematosus

Neonatal lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease in an infant born to a mother with anti-Ro/SSA and with or without anti-La/SSB antibodies. The disease most commonly presents with a rash resembling subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus and can have systemic abnormalities such as complete heart block or hepatosplenomegaly. Neonatal lupus is usually benign and self-limited. Many of the clinical manifestations are transient, but certain heart problems can be permanent. Diagnosis is based on maternal antibodies and clinical manifestations. Treatment and management is mainly supportive and focused on preventing complete heart block if possible.