Neonatal lupus erythematosus with a high anticardiolipin antibody titer. Unusual variant of neonatal lupus erythematosus or early-onset systemic lupus erythematosus?

A malar rash associated with severe gastrointestinal manifestations developed in a 4-month-old baby 3 months after a normal delivery. Serum complement and IgA levels were low during the active phase of the illness. An increased anticardiolipin antibody titer was demonstrated at the onset of disease and persisted for more than 6 months, at which time the skin and gastrointestinal manifestations subsided. The baby's mother, who had no symptoms, had an elevated Ro (SS-A) antibody titer and a moderately elevated anticardiolipin antibody titer.