Korean J Perinatol.  2005 Dec;16(4):317-321.

Neonatal Lupus Erythematosus Manifests as Pancytopenia and Mildly Abnormal Liver Functions

• Lee SM
• Ham SS
• Jeon IS
• Son DW

Abstract

Neonatal lupus erythematosus (NLE) is an uncommon passive autoimmune disease in which there is a transplacental passage of anti-Ro or anti-La maternal autoantibodies. The cutaneous lupus lesions are commonly observed and usually resolve spontaneously. The cardiac involvement which sometimes needs the permanent pacemaker, however, is the most clinically significant manifestation of NLE. In addition, the hepatic and hematologic abnormalities are observed in approximately 10% of infants with NLE. Therefore, in the way of the evaluation of hematologic disorders in neonate, NLE should be included. We present a case of NLE in an infant born to a mother with anti-Ro, and he had skin rash, pancytopenia and mildly abnormal liver functions without cardiac manifestation.

Keyword

Neonatal lupus erythematosus; Pancytopenia; Anti-Ro antibody

MeSH Terms

Autoantibodies
Autoimmune Diseases
Exanthema
Humans
Infant
Infant, Newborn
Liver*
Mothers
Pancytopenia*
Autoantibodies