Cardiac manifestations of neonatal lupus: a review of autoantibody-associated congenital heart block and its impact in an adult population

Cardiol Rev. 2012 Mar-Apr;20(2):72-6. doi: 10.1097/CRD.0b013e31823c808b.

Abstract

Within the last decade the prevalence of adult patients living with congenital heart disease equals that seen in children. This expanding population poses a challenge to clinical cardiologists who will be caring for patients with the clinical manifestations of this condition. Neonatal lupus is a model of passively acquired autoimmunity and is responsible for the majority of clinical cases of congenital heart block (CHB). This review will focus on the presentation, pathophysiology, and the long-term follow-up of CHB associated with neonatal lupus, and discuss important diagnostic tests, familial implications, and pacemaker issues associated with the care of an adult with CHB.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Autoantibodies / immunology*
  • Heart Block / congenital*
  • Heart Block / diagnosis
  • Heart Block / immunology
  • Heart Block / therapy
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / immunology
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / complications
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / congenital*
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / immunology
  • Pacemaker, Artificial
  • Phenotype
  • Quality of Life
  • Survival Rate

Substances

  • Autoantibodies
  • Immunoglobulin G

Supplementary concepts

  • Congenital heart block
  • Neonatal Systemic lupus erythematosus