[Neonatal lupus erythematosus and neurologic involvement: an incidental association?].

UNLABELLED: Neonatal lupus erythematosus is a rare disorder characterized by cutaneous lesions of the face and/or congenital heart block. The transplacental transfer of maternal anti-Ro/SSA, anti-La/SSB, or anti-U1RNP antibodies is responsible for the development of the disease. Few cases of neonatal lupus erythematosus with neurological involvement were reported in the medical literature.

CASE REPORT: A 36-week GA female infant presented with neonatal lupus erythematosus comprising cutaneous, hematologic and hepatic disorders with a favorable outcome. However, cutaneous atrophy and hyperpigmentation persisted. Spastic paraparesis was diagnosed at the age of six months.

CONCLUSION

The neurological lesions in neonatal lupus erythematosus could either be related to the presence of anti-Ro/SSA antibodies of maternal origin, or of anticardiolipin antibodies.