Fetal Arrythmia; Maternal Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Abstract

Congenital heart block may develop in the fetus during pregnancy in anti-Ro/La antibodies positive women, leading to heart failure of fetus in utero and even mortality in the first 3 years of life. In this study, we report a fetal arrhythmia case who manifested in 21 weeks of gestational age. Diagnosis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) was confirmed with the positive blood samples for antinuclear antibodies, anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB and ultrasonography. There was no hidrops in the fetus when arrhythmia was detected. After steroid therapy, patient`s symptoms concerning SLE regressed. Following the delivery of baby, permenant pacemaker had been applied and currently, the baby has no cardiac problem. Therefore, it could be concluded that, SLE can be asymptomatic till pregnancy and the control of the disease is essential for the delivery of a healthy baby.

Keywords

• Congenital heart block, Fetal arrhythmia, Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Pregnancy, Anti-Ro/la antibodies