[Study of autoimmunity in progeny of pregnant women with systemic lupus erythematosus].

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) on physical, mental development and plasma antibody level of SLE in their progenies.

METHODS

Routine physical examinations of 49 children from 48 SLE mothers were conducted. Compared immuno-fluorescence anti-nuclear antibody (IFANA), anticardiolipin (ACL), extractable nuclear antigen (ENA) and anti-ds-DNA plasma levels of SLE mothers and their progenies with that levels during pregnancy and in umbilical blood.

RESULTS

The physical development (height and weight) in 47 out of 49 children were within normal range while the remaining 2 were in the lower limit. The autoimmune antibodies were all negative in the umbilical blood with autoimmune negative mothers, while the anti-ribonucleoprotein (anti-RNP), anti-Smith surface antigen (anti-SSA), anti-specific soluble ribonucleic acid (anti-SSB) and ACL could be transferred to fetus through placenta. During follow up study, compared the autoimmune positive rates in progenies with that of mothers, the positive rates of IFANA and anti-ds-DNA decreased significantly (P < 0.01), while no changes in ACL. Compared the autoimmune positive rates in progenies with that of their own umbilical levels, the positive rates of IFANA, anti-RNP, anti-SSA decreased significantly (P < 0.01), while no difference existed in ACL. Boys showed faster disappearance of autoimmune positive rates than that of girls.

CONCLUSIONS

SLE did not show significant effects on the physical development of their progenies. Most autoimmune antibodies existed in umbilical blood were transferred through placenta during pregnancy and would disappear within 9 years after birth. Autoimmune antibodies decreased quicker in boys, and it indicated that girls should be follow-up more carefully. Autoimmune antibodies in the umbilical blood is an easy method for the screening of SLE progeny.