OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the combination of steroids, plasmapheresis and intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) on maternal anti Ro/SS-A antibody levels in cases of fetal cardiac involvement.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A series of three cases of positive anti-Ro/SS-A mothers with fetuses showing mild cardiac involvement were treated with a triple therapy composed of steroids, plasmapheresis and IVIG. Maternal antibody levels were measured several times before and after the application of each cycle of therapy. The effect of the treatment on fetal cardiac manifestations was also evaluated.

RESULTS

Maternal anti-Ro/SS-A levels significantly decreased after each cycle of either plasmapheresis or IVIG therapy. The most significant decrease occurred after the first cycle. The natural evolution of the disease was stopped by this therapy in two of these cases, signs of cardiac inflammation decrease and none of the newborns needed neonatal pacemaker.

CONCLUSIONS

A triple therapy combining plasmapheresis, IVIG and glucocorticoids may stop the natural evolution of the fetal cardiac affectation in positive anti-Ro/SS-A antibody patients. Further studies are needed in order to validate clinical applications of this treatment approach.