Abstract:
Neonatal lupus erythematosus (NLE) occurs due
to transplacental transfer of autoantibodies in
newborns of mothers with clinical or subclinical
collagen vascular diseases. Anti-Ro/SSA antibodies
are strongly associated with NLE. Anti-La/SSB and
anti-U1
-RNP antibodies are less frequent. Cutaneous and cardiac manifestations are prominent
of NLE. Nearly half of the cases show either cutaneous or cardiac features, and 10% show both. Skin
lesions may be congenital or develop within 12–16
weeks postpartum. Commonly, the lesions are characterised by erythematous scaly papules or plaques
with annular or polycyclic configuration principally
affecting the face and scalp, followed by the trunk
and extremities. Characteristic periorbital involvement is described as ‘raccoon eyes’ sign.
