Etiology and pathogenic mechanism of neonatal lupus syndromes: a comprehensive review

Abstract

Neonatal lupus syndromes (NLS) is an acquired autoimmune disease, which is mediated by maternal antibodies. Maternal anti-Sjogren′s syndrome A (SSA)/Ro, and anti-Sjogren′s syndrome B (SSB)/La antibodies are related with the transient cutaneous lupus and (or) transient/permanent congenital heart block (CHB). Though NLS is rare, it is seriously harmful to children or fetuses with CHB. There are many studies on the etiology and pathogenic mechanism of NLS, but the specific factors leading to the occurrence and development of NLS are still unclear. This article focuses on the current researches on etiology and pathogenesis of NLS and provides references for clinical treatment and further research of NLS. Key words: Lupus erythematosus, cutaneous; Heart block; Atrioventricular block; Sjogren′s syndrome; Neonatal lupus syndromes; Anti-Sjogren′s syndrome A antibody; Anti-Sjogren′s syndrome B antibody; Infant, newborn