Neonatal Lupus Erythematosus in a 2-Month-Old Girl: A Case Report

Abstract

Neonatal lupus erythematosus is a rare acquired disease involving the fetus and the newborn. It is caused by autoantibodies (mainly anti-SSA/Ro and anti-SSB/La antibodies) in the mother entering the fetus through the placenta to cause autoimmune reactions, The most common clinical manifestations of neonatal lupus erythematosus include skin involvement and congenital heart block, as well as blood, respiratory, neurological, and digestive system abnormalities. Patients often go to pediatrics or dermatology with rash as the first symptom. Because the rash is atypical, there is often a risk of misdiagnosis or missed diagnosis. We report a case of 2-month-old baby. Physical examination showed that dark red infiltrating macula was scattered on forehead and plantar. ANA positive, anti-SSA/Ro antibody positive, anti-SSB/La antibody positive, no involvement of the heart or other organ systems was found. Her mother was a patient with lupus erythematosus. The diagnosis of neonatal lupus erythematosus was made according to the history and clinical manifestations, symptomatic treatment was given to the rash site, and after 4 months, the rash disappeared at a follow-up visit. ANA, Anti SSA/Ro antibodies and anti SSB/La antibodies all turned negative. The etiology, clinical manifestation, prevention and treatment of neonatal lupus erythematosus were discussed in combination with existing literature. It was emphasized that autoantibody testing should be carried out for women and pregnant women with reproductive requirements in order to detect and prevent neonatal lupus erythematosus in time. For unexplained skin rashes of infants, if the mother has a history of connective tissue disease, the possibility of neonatal lupus erythematosus should be considered.