Neonatal Sequelae in Association with Maternal Autoantibodies: A Series of Three Cases

Q: What is the clinical evidence from this study?

Study design: Case Report. Population: Neonatal sequelae from maternal autoantibody-associated syndromes (n=3). Intervention: Maternal autoantibody exposure. Primary outcome: Clinical, echocardiographic, and electrocardiographic findings.

Q: What does this research mean for the field?

Transplacental transfer of maternal autoantibodies produces a wide spectrum of neonatal outcomes ranging from completely asymptomatic presentation to severe cardiac conduction defects such as complete congenital heart block. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.CONFIRMATORY. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

Shivaashankari Dharmalingam

doi:10.7860/ijnmr/2026/84498.2482

August 1, 2026Indian Journal of Neonatal Medicine and ResearchOpen Access

Neonatal Sequelae in Association with Maternal Autoantibodies: A Series of Three Cases

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Key result

Maternal autoantibody exposure yields variable neonatal outcomes ranging from complete heart block to asymptomatic status.

n=3

Why the study?

Neonates born to mothers with autoantibody-associated syndromes may develop variable clinical manifestations including life-threatening congenital heart block, requiring detailed characterization.

Key Points

To document the diverse clinical spectrum and cardiac sequelae in neonates born to mothers with autoantibody-associated syndromes.
Retrospective, single-centre case series of three neonates (N=3) born to mothers with autoimmune conditions, including anti-Ro/SSA, anti-La/SSB, and Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS).
Evaluated maternal antibody profiles, gestational age at delivery, neonatal growth percentiles, electrocardiographic (ECG) and echocardiographic findings, and short-term outcomes.
Two of three neonates experienced cardiac conduction abnormalities: one presented with second-degree (2:1) atrioventricular block and an atrial septal defect (heart rate 52/min), while another presented with complete congenital heart block (heart rate 45/min).
One neonate born to a mother with APS had normal ECG and echocardiogram findings, developing only physiological jaundice.
Growth outcomes varied from small for gestational age (SGA) in one infant to appropriate for gestational age (AGA) in two infants, with all neonates showing normal laboratory investigations.

Study Design

Type

Case Report (n=3)

Multicenter

No

Structured PICO

P

Population

3 female neonates born to mothers with autoantibody-associated syndromes evaluated for cardiac and systemic sequelae.

O

Outcome

Clinical manifestations and neonatal outcomes, specifically the presence of congenital heart block and other autoantibody-associated sequelae.

Limitations

Small retrospective case series from a single centre limiting generalisability
Long-term follow-up data, serial maternal and neonatal antibody titres, and intervention outcomes were not uniformly available
Maternal anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB antibody status was unavailable in case 2, precluding definitive attribution of CHB solely to APS
Small retrospective case series from a single centre
Lack of uniform long-term follow-up data and serial maternal/neonatal antibody titres
Maternal anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB antibody status was unavailable in Case 2, precluding definitive attribution of CHB solely to APS

Implication

This case series illustrates the variable presentation of neonatal cardiac conduction abnormalities, emphasizing the critical need for antenatal and postnatal multidisciplinary surveillance in pregnancies complicated by maternal autoantibodies.

Abstract

Neonates born to mothers with autoantibody-associated syndromes may develop clinical manifestations due to transplacental transfer of maternal antibodies. These include Congenital Heart Block (CHB), cutaneous lesions, haematological abnormalities, and hepatic dysfunction. CHB remains the most serious and potentially life-threatening manifestation. The present study is a series of three neonates born to mothers with anti-Ro/SSA, anti-La/SSB, and Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS). The clinical spectrum ranged from second-degree atrioventricular block with a structural cardiac defect to complete CHB requiring cardiology management, as well as a neonate without cardiac involvement. Growth parameters varied from Small for Gestational Age (SGA) to Appropriate for Gestational Age (AGA). This series illustrates the variability of cardiac and non-cardiac manifestations in neonates born to mothers with autoimmune conditions and emphasises the need for careful clinical monitoring and multidisciplinary care to optimise neonatal outcomes.

Discussion

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Cite This Study

Shivaashankari Dharmalingam (2026) conducted a case report in Neonatal sequelae from maternal autoantibody-associated syndromes (n=3). Maternal autoantibody exposure was evaluated on Clinical, echocardiographic, and electrocardiographic findings. Maternal autoantibody exposure resulted in variable neonatal manifestations, ranging from complete congenital heart block to asymptomatic presentation without cardiac involvement in three neonates.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6ad0fce415427f6a8404037e https://doi.org/10.7860/ijnmr/2026/84498.2482

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Neonatal Sequelae in Association with Maternal Autoantibodies: A Series of Three Cases

Key Points

Study Design

Structured PICO

Limitations

Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

Neonatal Sequelae in Association with Maternal Autoantibodies: A Series of Three Cases

Key Points

Study Design

Structured PICO

Limitations

Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

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