CONGENITAL COMPLETE ATRIOVENTRICULAR BLOCK SECONDARY TO NEONATAL LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS

Neonatal lupus erythematosus (NLE), which is a disorder caused by the passage of maternal anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB autoantibodies through the placenta. It is clinically characterized mainly by cutaneous eythematous rash, congenital atrioventricular block (AVB), haematologic and hepatic disorders. Congenital AVB is the most important and serious symptom. In this case, we report a premature newborn which was delivered by emergent c-section due to sustained fetal bradicardia. The newborn diagnosed as complete AVB and he treated with surfactant due to respiratory distress syndrome. But unfortunately, the baby died on 5th postnatal day. The maternal history was remarkable for four recurrent abortus. Anti-Ro and anti- La antibodies were positive for antibodies and infant diagnosis was establieshed as NLE. In conclusion, NLE should be keept in mind, if persistant bradicardia diagnosed on antenetal ultrasonography evaluation of women with recurrent abortuses and/or newborn with persistant complete AVB. Complete AVB in the fetus is irreversible, although maternal steroids can prevent progression to complete AVB.