Neonatal lupus erythematosus: dissolution of atrioventricular block after administration of corticosteroid to the pregnant mother.

Histopathologic and immunofluorescence findings of facial annular erythema on a 3-month-old female child, as well as serological detection of anti-SS-A (Ro) and anti-SS-B (La) antibodies, led to the diagnosis of neonatal lupus erythematosus (LE), while no sign of abnormality in the conducting system of the heart was found. During the pregnancy of the present child her mother, with positive anti-SS-A and anti-SS-B antibodies, had a history of Sweet's syndrome. She was treated with corticosteroid, resulting in a gradual diminution of the existing complete atrioventricular block of the fetus. This history may implicate a potential therapeutic effect for the congenital heart block associated with neonatal LE of corticosteroid given to the pregnant mother.