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Autoimmune congenital heart block: a case report and review of the literature related to pathogenesis and pregnancy management
- Source :
- Arthritis Research & Therapy, Vol 26, Iss 1, Pp 1-10 (2024)
- Publication Year :
- 2024
- Publisher :
- BMC, 2024.
-
Abstract
- Abstract Autoimmune congenital heart block (ACHB) is a passively acquired immune-mediated disease characterized by the presence of maternal antibodies against components of the Ro/SSA and La/SSB ribonucleoprotein complex that mainly affects the cardiac conducting system. ACHB occurs in 2% of women with positive anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB antibodies and causes a high risk of intrauterine fetal death, neonatal mortality, and long-term sequelae. In this review, we first describe a case of ACHB to provide preliminary knowledge. Then, we discuss the possible pathogenic mechanisms of ACHB; summarize the pregnancy management of patients with positive anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB antibodies and/or rheumatic diseases, the prevention of ACHB, and the treatment of ACHB fetuses; and propose routine screening of these antibodies for the general population. Careful follow-up, which consists of monitoring the fetal heart rate, is feasible and reassuring for pregnant women with positive anti-Ro/SSA and/or anti-La/SSB antibodies to lower the risk of ACHB in fetuses. Moreover, maternal administration of hydroxychloroquine may be useful in preventing ACHB in pregnant women with anti-Ro/SSA and/or anti-La/SSB antibodies.
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 14786362
- Volume :
- 26
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- Directory of Open Access Journals
- Journal :
- Arthritis Research & Therapy
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- edsdoj.78cccc6a744194a0d98f82c5935a25
- Document Type :
- article
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1186/s13075-023-03246-w