Fetal Congenital Heart Block Associated With Maternal Primary Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Sjogren’s Syndrome

Abstract

Congenital heart block is a grave condition reported in 0.5% of 100 live births. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Sjogren's syndrome (SS) are chronic autoimmune and inflammatory condition, which affects multiple systems. The association of SLE and SS with pregnancy has been seen in the past. Usually, it shows anti-Ro/SSA and anti-Ro/SSB auto-antibodies in maternal serum, which is proportional to fetal Outcome. In this report, we present a case of a 29-year-old female gravida 4, para one and aborta 3, with a history of polycystic ovarian disease and multiple abortions. At 20 weeks of gestation, her antenatal examination revealed fetal bradycardia and heart block, which further led to SLE and SS diagnosis in her. She was treated with steroids to prevent further fetal complications. The patient delivered a healthy neonate at 38 weeks of gestation. The neonate eventually received a cardiac pacemaker and is now on regular follow-up. Copyright © 2021, Khan et al.