INTRODUCTION: Sjögren's syndrome is a rare systemic autoimmune disorder associated with pregnancy (0.3-0.6%). The typical occurrence of anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB autoantibodies in the maternal serum can modify the perinatal outcome: neonatal lupus and congenital heart block are the most common fetal complications. CASE: we report a case of pregnancy complicated by a secondary form of SS associated with antiphospholipid syndrome and fetal myocardial echogenicity. CONCLUSION: in conclusion, increased attention must be paid to pregnancies associated with autoimmune disorders, since careful ultrasonographic and clinical monitoring and preventive treatment with corticosteroids could minimize severe and common fetal complications.
INTRODUCTION: Sjögren's syndrome is a rare systemic autoimmune disorder associated with pregnancy (0.3-0.6%). The typical occurrence of anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB autoantibodies in the maternal serum can modify the perinatal outcome: neonatal lupus and congenital heart block are the most common fetal complications. CASE: we report a case of pregnancy complicated by a secondary form of SS associated with antiphospholipid syndrome and fetal myocardial echogenicity. CONCLUSION: in conclusion, increased attention must be paid to pregnancies associated with autoimmune disorders, since careful ultrasonographic and clinical monitoring and preventive treatment with corticosteroids could minimize severe and common fetal complications.
Authors: Sarwen Z Hussein; Lennart T H Jacobsson; Pelle G Lindquist; Elke Theander Journal: Rheumatology (Oxford) Date: 2011-04-29 Impact factor: 7.580