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Di Ludovico A, Rinaldi M, Mainieri F, Di Michele S, Girlando V, Ciarelli F, La Bella S, Chiarelli F, Attanasi M, Mauro A, Bizzi E, Brucato A, Breda L. Molecular Mechanisms of Fetal and Neonatal Lupus: A Narrative Review of an Autoimmune Disease Transferal across the Placenta. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5224. [PMID: 38791261 PMCID: PMC11120786 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
This study, conducted by searching keywords such as "maternal lupus", "neonatal lupus", and "congenital heart block" in databases including PubMed and Scopus, provides a detailed narrative review on fetal and neonatal lupus. Autoantibodies like anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB may cross the placenta and cause complications in neonates, such as congenital heart block (CHB). Management options involve hydroxychloroquine, which is able to counteract some of the adverse events, although the drug needs to be used carefully because of its impact on the QTc interval. Advanced pacing strategies for neonates with CHB, especially in severe forms like hydrops, are also assessed. This review emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary care by rheumatologists, obstetricians, and pediatricians in order to achieve the best maternal and neonatal health in lupus pregnancies. This multidisciplinary approach seeks to improve the outcomes and management of the disease, decreasing the burden on mothers and their infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armando Di Ludovico
- Paediatric Department, University of Chieti “G. D’Annunzio”, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.D.L.); (F.M.); (V.G.); (F.C.); (S.L.B.); (F.C.); (M.A.)
| | - Marta Rinaldi
- Paediatric Department, Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust, Aylesbury-Thames Valley Deanery, Aylesbury HP21 8AL, UK;
| | - Francesca Mainieri
- Paediatric Department, University of Chieti “G. D’Annunzio”, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.D.L.); (F.M.); (V.G.); (F.C.); (S.L.B.); (F.C.); (M.A.)
| | - Stefano Di Michele
- Department of Surgical Science, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria Blocco I, Asse didattico Medicina P2, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy;
| | - Virginia Girlando
- Paediatric Department, University of Chieti “G. D’Annunzio”, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.D.L.); (F.M.); (V.G.); (F.C.); (S.L.B.); (F.C.); (M.A.)
| | - Francesca Ciarelli
- Paediatric Department, University of Chieti “G. D’Annunzio”, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.D.L.); (F.M.); (V.G.); (F.C.); (S.L.B.); (F.C.); (M.A.)
| | - Saverio La Bella
- Paediatric Department, University of Chieti “G. D’Annunzio”, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.D.L.); (F.M.); (V.G.); (F.C.); (S.L.B.); (F.C.); (M.A.)
| | - Francesco Chiarelli
- Paediatric Department, University of Chieti “G. D’Annunzio”, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.D.L.); (F.M.); (V.G.); (F.C.); (S.L.B.); (F.C.); (M.A.)
| | - Marina Attanasi
- Paediatric Department, University of Chieti “G. D’Annunzio”, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.D.L.); (F.M.); (V.G.); (F.C.); (S.L.B.); (F.C.); (M.A.)
| | - Angela Mauro
- Pediatric Rheumatology Unit, Department of Childhood and Developmental Medicine, Fatebenefratelli—Sacco Hospital, Piazzale Principessa Clotilde, 20121 Milan, Italy
| | - Emanuele Bizzi
- Division of Internal Medicine, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Fatebenefratelli Hospital, University of Milan, 20121 Milan, Italy; (E.B.); (A.B.)
| | - Antonio Brucato
- Division of Internal Medicine, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Fatebenefratelli Hospital, University of Milan, 20121 Milan, Italy; (E.B.); (A.B.)
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences “Sacco”, University of Milano, Ospedale Fatebenefratelli, 20121 Milan, Italy
| | - Luciana Breda
- Paediatric Department, University of Chieti “G. D’Annunzio”, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.D.L.); (F.M.); (V.G.); (F.C.); (S.L.B.); (F.C.); (M.A.)
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Singampalli KL, Jui E, Shani K, Ning Y, Connell JP, Birla RK, Bollyky PL, Caldarone CA, Keswani SG, Grande-Allen KJ. Congenital Heart Disease: An Immunological Perspective. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:701375. [PMID: 34434978 PMCID: PMC8380780 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.701375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Congenital heart disease (CHD) poses a significant global health and economic burden-despite advances in treating CHD reducing the mortality risk, globally CHD accounts for approximately 300,000 deaths yearly. Children with CHD experience both acute and chronic cardiac complications, and though treatment options have improved, some remain extremely invasive. A challenge in addressing these morbidity and mortality risks is that little is known regarding the cause of many CHDs and current evidence suggests a multifactorial etiology. Some studies implicate an immune contribution to CHD development; however, the role of the immune system is not well-understood. Defining the role of the immune and inflammatory responses in CHD therefore holds promise in elucidating mechanisms underlying these disorders and improving upon current diagnostic and treatment options. In this review, we address the current knowledge coinciding CHDs with immune and inflammatory associations, emphasizing conditions where this understanding would provide clinical benefit, and challenges in studying these mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kavya L. Singampalli
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, United States
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Laboratory for Regenerative Tissue Repair, Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Elysa Jui
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Kevin Shani
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Yao Ning
- Laboratory for Regenerative Tissue Repair, Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
| | | | - Ravi K. Birla
- Laboratory for Regenerative Tissue Repair, Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
- Division of Congenital Heart Surgery, Departments of Surgery and Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Paul L. Bollyky
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Christopher A. Caldarone
- Division of Congenital Heart Surgery, Departments of Surgery and Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Sundeep G. Keswani
- Laboratory for Regenerative Tissue Repair, Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
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Mimoun A, Delignat S, Peyron I, Daventure V, Lecerf M, Dimitrov JD, Kaveri SV, Bayry J, Lacroix-Desmazes S. Relevance of the Materno-Fetal Interface for the Induction of Antigen-Specific Immune Tolerance. Front Immunol 2020; 11:810. [PMID: 32477339 PMCID: PMC7240014 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In humans, maternal IgGs are transferred to the fetus from the second trimester of pregnancy onwards. The transplacental delivery of maternal IgG is mediated by its binding to the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) after endocytosis by the syncytiotrophoblast. IgGs present in the maternal milk are also transferred to the newborn through the digestive epithelium upon binding to the FcRn. Importantly, the binding of IgGs to the FcRn is also responsible for the recycling of circulating IgGs that confers them with a long half-life. Maternally delivered IgG provides passive immunity to the newborn, for instance by conferring protective anti-flu or anti-pertussis toxin IgGs. It may, however, lead to the development of autoimmune manifestations when pathological autoantibodies from the mother cross the placenta and reach the circulation of the fetus. In recent years, strategies that exploit the transplacental delivery of antigen/IgG complexes or of Fc-fused proteins have been validated in mouse models of human diseases to impose antigen-specific tolerance, particularly in the case of Fc-fused factor VIII (FVIII) domains in hemophilia A mice or pre-pro-insulin (PPI) in the case of preclinical models of type 1 diabetes (T1D). The present review summarizes the mechanisms underlying the FcRn-mediated transcytosis of IgGs, the physiopathological relevance of this phenomenon, and the repercussion for drug delivery and shaping of the immune system during its ontogeny.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelina Mimoun
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Sandrine Delignat
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Ivan Peyron
- HITh, INSERM, UMR_S1176, Université Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Victoria Daventure
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Maxime Lecerf
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Jordan D Dimitrov
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Srinivas V Kaveri
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Jagadeesh Bayry
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Paris, France
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Wainwright B, Bhan R, Trad C, Cohen R, Saxena A, Buyon J, Izmirly P. Autoimmune-mediated congenital heart block. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2019; 64:41-51. [PMID: 31685414 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2019.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Autoimmune-mediated congenital heart block (CHB) is a severe manifestation of neonatal lupus in which conduction tissues of the fetal heart are damaged. This occurs due to passive transference of maternal anti-SSA/Ro and anti-SSB/La autoantibodies and subsequent inflammation and fibrosis of the atrioventricular (AV) node. Notably, the disease manifests after the fetal heart has structurally developed, ruling out other anatomical abnormalities that could otherwise contribute to the block of conduction. Complete AV block is irreversible and the most common manifestation of CHB, although other cardiac complications such as endocardial fibroelastosis (EFE), dilated cardiomyopathy, and valvular insufficiency have been observed. In this review, we detail the classification, prevalence, pathogenesis, and clinical management recommendations for autoimmune CHB.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rohit Bhan
- NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | | | - Jill Buyon
- NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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Gleicher N, Elkayam U. Preventing congenital neonatal heart block in offspring of mothers with anti-SSA/Ro and SSB/La antibodies: A review of published literature and registered clinical trials. Autoimmun Rev 2013; 12:1039-45. [DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2013.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2013] [Accepted: 04/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Clancy RM, Alvarez D, Komissarova E, Barrat FJ, Swartz J, Buyon JP. Ro60-associated single-stranded RNA links inflammation with fetal cardiac fibrosis via ligation of TLRs: a novel pathway to autoimmune-associated heart block. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2010; 184:2148-55. [PMID: 20089705 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.0902248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Activation of TLR by ssRNA after FcgammaR-mediated phagocytosis of immune complexes (IC) may be relevant in autoimmune-associated congenital heart block (CHB) where the obligate factor is a maternal anti-SSA/Ro Ab and the fetal factors, protein/RNA on an apoptotic cardiocyte and infiltrating macrophages. This study addressed the hypothesis that Ro60-associated ssRNAs link macrophage activation to fibrosis via TLR engagement. Both macrophage transfection with noncoding ssRNA that bind Ro60 and an IC generated by incubation of Ro60-ssRNA with an IgG fraction from a CHB mother or affinity purified anti-Ro60 significantly increased TNF-alpha secretion, an effect not observed using control RNAs or normal IgG. Dependence on TLR was supported by the significant inhibition of TNF-alpha release by IRS661 and chloroquine. The requirement for FcgammaRIIIa-mediated delivery was provided by inhibition with an anti-CD16a Ab. Fibrosis markers were noticeably increased in fetal cardiac fibroblasts after incubation with supernatants generated from macrophages transfected with ssRNA or incubated with the IC. Supernatants generated from macrophages with ssRNA in the presence of IRS661 or chloroquine did not cause fibrosis. In a CHB heart, but not a healthy heart, TLR7 immunostaining was localized to a region near the atrioventricular groove at a site enriched in mononuclear cells and fibrosis. These data support a novel injury model in CHB, whereby endogenous ligand, Ro60-associated ssRNA, forges a nexus between TLR ligation and fibrosis instigated by binding of anti-Ro Abs to the target protein likely accessible via apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert M Clancy
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA.
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Papakonstantinou K, Hasiakos D, Kondi-Paphiti A, Vitoratos N. Congenital heart block in neonatal lupus erythematosus. J OBSTET GYNAECOL 2009; 29:153-4. [PMID: 19274557 DOI: 10.1080/01443610802644277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- K Papakonstantinou
- 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Athens, School of Medicine, Aretaieion Hospital, Athens, Greece.
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8
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Abstract
ABSTRACT
Fetal rhythm abnormalities occur in 2% of pregnancies. They are usually identified by the obstetrician or midwifes after 20 weeks. There are four different methods used to assess fetal arrhythmias: scalp electrodes attached to electrocardiographic recordings, magnetocardiography (FMCG), fetal electrocardiographic recordings from the maternal abdomen, and fetal echocardiography (M-mode, pulsed-Doppler, Tissue-Doppler). In everyday practice the Doppler method was found to be the most useful method in the diagnosis and therapy of fetal arrhythmias. Doppler derived mechanical PR interval raised the possibility of refining the prenatal diagnosis of AV conduction abnormalities. A PR interval of >150 ms on Doppler, FMCG or postnatal ECG has been determined to be prolonged. Extrasystoles are most common cause of fetal arrhythmias, and are most often premature atrial contractions (PACs), what are usually identified in third trimester fetuses and their frequency may be highly variable. These are usually benign, resolving just before or shortly after birth. The follow-up is necessary, because some (1-3%) of affected fetuses have intermittent runs of supraventricular tachycardia. Ventricular tachycardia is rare during fetal life. With echocardiography in the setting of fetal tachycardia the findings of atrioventricular dissociation with a ventricular rate that is faster than the atrial rate suggests ventricular tachycardia. If there is 1:1 retrograde conduction it is impossible to distinguish between ventricular and supraventricular tachycardia. Atrial flutter accounted for 26.2% of all cases of fetal tachyarrhythmias and supraventricular tachycardia for 73.2%. Fouron and coworkers proposed to plan the management of the fetal tachyarrhythmia based on analysis of pulsed-Doppler recordings of fetal heart's blood flow. They determined short V-A tachycardia, when V-A (ventriculoatrial period) was shorter than AV (atrio-ventricular period) period. In the therapy of fetal supraventricular tachycardia there are different protocols, the most commonly used drugs are: digoxin, sotalol, amiodarone, flecainide. Persistent fetal sinus bradycardia is a rare condition and has been reported with central nervous system abnormalities, maternal treatment with beta blockers, excessive vagal tone, hydrops, long QT syndrome, intrauterine growth retardation and could be a sign of maternal anti-SSA/Ro antibodies. Prenatal sinus bradycardia or recognition of 2nd degree AV block may lead to early detection and treatment of long QT syndrome. Early detection of incomplete AV block, in cases of maternal anti SSA, SSB autoantibodies, successfully identifies a group at highest risk developing permanent AV block. The anti-inflammatory effects of dexamethasone might have interrupted on-going damage of the conduction system secondary to maternal autoantibodies. If the fetal arrhythmia resulted fetal hydrops, the mortality is high and the risk of late neurological morbidity must be taken into consideration. As a result of close follow-up, transplacentar treatment and well-organized perinatal management, the survival of sustained fetal arrhythmia significantly improved (50% versus 15%).
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Hoftman AC, Hernandez MI, Lee KW, Stiehm ER. Newborn illnesses caused by transplacental antibodies. Adv Pediatr 2008; 55:271-304. [PMID: 19048734 DOI: 10.1016/j.yapd.2008.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alice Chang Hoftman
- Division of Immunology/Allergy/Rheumatology, Mattel Children's Hospital at UCLA, UCLA Center for Health Sciences, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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Vass G, Antal Z, Katona M, Kárpáti S, Balogh L. Neonatal lupus erythematosus: case report and review of the literature. Orv Hetil 2007; 148:2051-5. [DOI: 10.1556/oh.2007.28058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
A neonatalis lupus erythematosus (NLE) az újszülöttek első néhány hónapjának megbetegedése, melyet az édesanya autoimmun betegségének (SLE, Sjögren, rheumatoid arthritis stb.) kapcsán termelődő, placentán átjutó anti-SSA- és anti-SSB-ellenanyagok okoznak. Ritka megbetegedés. Tünetei érinthetik a bőrt (jellegzetes annuláris, erythemás plakkok), a szívet, a májat és a vérképzést. Legsúlyosabb következménye a 20–30%-os mortalitásért elsősorban felelős III. fokú AV-blokk, mely maradandó károsodás, s pacemaker beültetését teszi szükségessé. A tünetek általában kezelés nélkül megszűnnek az anyai ellenanyagok kiürülésével párhuzamosan a csecsemő 6–9 hónapos korára. Esetünkben a tipikus bőrtünetek az egész testet érintették, már születéskor fennálltak, de szívblokk nem alakult ki. A diagnózist jelentősen nehezítette, hogy az édesanya betegsége nem volt ismert a szülés idején. A jelentős thrombocytopenia, progrediáló bőrtünetek és emelkedett májfunkciós értékek miatt szisztémás szteroid adására kényszerültünk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Géza Vass
- 1 Semmelweis Egyetem, Általános Orvostudományi Kar I. Gyermekgyógyászati Klinika Budapest Budenz u. 18. 1021
| | - Zsuzsanna Antal
- 1 Semmelweis Egyetem, Általános Orvostudományi Kar I. Gyermekgyógyászati Klinika Budapest Budenz u. 18. 1021
| | - Mária Katona
- 2 Semmelweis Egyetem, Általános Orvostudományi Kar Bőr-, Nemikórtani és Bőronkológiai Intézet Budapest
| | - Sarolta Kárpáti
- 2 Semmelweis Egyetem, Általános Orvostudományi Kar Bőr-, Nemikórtani és Bőronkológiai Intézet Budapest
| | - Lídia Balogh
- 1 Semmelweis Egyetem, Általános Orvostudományi Kar I. Gyermekgyógyászati Klinika Budapest Budenz u. 18. 1021
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Gardiner HM, Belmar C, Pasquini L, Seale A, Thomas M, Dennes W, Taylor MJO, Kulinskaya E, Wimalasundera R. Fetal ECG: a novel predictor of atrioventricular block in anti-Ro positive pregnancies. Heart 2006; 93:1454-60. [PMID: 17085531 PMCID: PMC2016925 DOI: 10.1136/hrt.2006.099242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Approximately 2.8% of pregnancies are Ro/La antibody positive. 3-15% of fetuses develop complete heart block (CHB). First-degree atrioventricular heart block (1 degrees AVB) is reported in a third of Ro/La fetuses but as most have a normal postnatal ECG this may reflect inadequacies of Doppler measurement techniques. METHODS Comparison was made between mechanical (mPR) and electrical (ePR) intervals obtained prospectively using Doppler and non-invasive fetal ECG (fECG) in 52 consecutive Ro/La pregnancies in 46 women carrying 54 fetuses in an observational study at a fetal medicine unit. 121 mPR and 37 ePR intervals were recorded in 49 Ro/La fetuses. Five were referred with CHB and excluded. ePR was measured successfully in 35/37 (94%) and mPR was measured in all cases. 1 degrees AVB was defined as PR >95% CI. Logistic regression predicted abnormal final fetal rhythm from first mPR or ePR. RESULTS The ePR model gave 66.7% sensitivity (6 of 8 final abnormal fetal rhythm cases were predicted correctly in fetuses >20 weeks) and 96.2% specificity. mPR gave 44.4% sensitivity (4 of 9 cases) and 88.5% specificity. Z scores for ePR (zPR) were calculated from 199 normal fetuses. The area under the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.88 (95% CI, 0.754 to 1.007). A cut-off of 1.65 gave a sensitivity of 87.5% and specificity of 95% for those with prolonged and normal ePR intervals, respectively. CONCLUSION zPR is better than mPR at differentiating between normal and prolonged PR intervals, suggesting that fECG is the diagnostic tool of choice to investigate the natural history and therapy of conduction abnormalities in Ro/La pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena M Gardiner
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, Queen Charlotte's and Chelsea Hospital, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0HS, UK.
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13
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Abstract
Programmed cell death and the disposal of cell corpses by phagocytic cells are highly regulated ongoing processes essential for the survival and well-being of higher organisms. Abnormalities in the susceptibility of certain cells to receptor-induced death are known to lead to certain human diseases (e.g., autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome) and may contribute to the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus. Impaired clearance of apoptotic cells is also likely to be an important factor in lupus pathogenesis, though the biological basis of such a defect remains elusive. Finally, the process of apoptosis has been shown to contribute to lupus disease effector mechanisms. A better understanding of the role of apoptosis in lupus very likely will lead to improved diagnosis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip L Cohen
- University of Pennsylvania, 421 Curie Boulevard, Suite 757, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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