Significance of autoantibodies in neonatal lupus erythematosus

Autoantibodies produced by the mother and transported into the fetal circul ation are of significant importance in the diagnosis of neonatal lupus synd romes. These humoral autoimmune findings provide an unique opportunity to a ssess the pathogenic role of autoantibodies against the Ro(SS-A)/La(SS-B) c omplex, most notably for congenital heart block. Current knowledge about th e involved autoantibody-autoantigen systems, including recent therapeutic c oncepts of these autoimmune syndromes, is summarized. Copyright (C) 2000 S. Karger AG,Basel.