Maternal autoantibody levels in congenital heart block and potential prophylaxis with antiinflammatory agents.

Journal Article (Journal Article)

OBJECTIVE: The importance of maternal autoantibody levels in congenital heart block and elucidation of maternal factors that may reduce disease burden require further clarification. STUDY DESIGN: Pregnancies complicated by maternal anti-Ro antibodies from 2007 through 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: In all, 33 women were followed up throughout pregnancy. Semiquantitative maternal anti-La levels were significantly higher in pregnancies complicated by fetal heart block of any degree (median difference, 227.5; P = .04), but there was no difference in maternal anti-Ro levels. In all, 94% of fetuses maintained normal conduction when the mother was treated with hydroxychloroquine or daily prednisone therapy throughout pregnancy, compared to 59% in the untreated group (odds ratio, 0.1; P = .04). CONCLUSION: Pregnancies complicated by fetal heart block did not have higher levels of maternal anti-Ro antibodies. Maternal anti-La level may be a useful predictor of fetal heart block. Maternal treatment with either hydroxychloroquine or daily low-dose prednisone throughout pregnancy may provide a protective effect.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Tunks, RD; Clowse, MEB; Miller, SG; Brancazio, LR; Barker, PCA

Published Date

  • January 2013

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 208 / 1

Start / End Page

  • 64.e1 - 64.e7

PubMed ID

  • 23063019

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1097-6868

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1016/j.ajog.2012.09.020

Language

  • eng

Conference Location

  • United States