Complete Congenital Heart Block in a Newborn Associated with Maternal Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Case Report

Abstract

Background: Complete Congenital Heart Block (CCHB) is an uncommon life threatening disease of the newborn which leads to significant neonatal morbidity and mortality. It is usually diagnosed early in life and highly associated with maternal autoimmune and connective tissue disorders. CCHB frequently presents with bradycardia which can be diagnosed by fetal electrocardiogram.

Results: This is a case report of a male neonate born with a third degree heart block to a mother with high Ro/SSA titer.

Conclusion: Neonates born to women with SLE have an increased risk of CHD, and an increased risk of having a CHD repair procedure later on. It is important to diagnose, treat or refer neonates with CCHB early for definite management with pacemaker insertion as it helps for a better prognosis and prevention of associated complications, but this is not often possible in low resource settings lie Ethiopia.

Keywords: Congenital Heart Block, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Bradycardia, SS-A/Ro Antibodies