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Anti-Ro/La negative congenital heart block (CHB) is uncommon. We report one such case of CHB, with no associated structural heart disease or maternal autoantibodies. The heart block reverted to sinus rhythm spontaneously at two weeks of age, and the patient remains in sinus rhythm at a one year followup. Whether patients with antibody negative complete heart block have a different clinical course is conjectural.

OBJETIVO: avaliar a freqüência de lúpus neonatal, prematuridade, natimortalidade, abortamento e baixo peso em gestações de pacientes com LES atendidas num serviço terciário. MÉTODOS: estudo retrospectivo dos atendimentos a pacientes com LES realizados no centro obstétrico do Hospital São Paulo/Unifesp/ EPM, entre novembro de 1991 e abril de 2003. Os dados clínicos e laboratoriais referentes à mãe e fetos foram obtidos através da revisão de prontuários médicos. RESULTADOS: foram identificadas 60 mulheres com LES que tiveram 75 gestações. A média de idade das mães por ocasião das gestações foi de 27,1± 6,1 anos e a mediana de tempo da doença foi de 48 meses. Duas gestantes necessitaram de diálise peritoneal. Sessenta e três pacientes fizeram uso de prednisona, 4 pacientes receberam pulsoterapia com solumedrol e 2 receberam azatioprina durante a gravidez. No primeiro trimestre da gestação, 6 pacientes haviam feito uso de difosfato de cloroquina e 2 utilizaram hidroxicloroquina. Uma paciente que havia recebido pulso de ciclofosfamida e outra que havia utilizado metotrexato desconhecendo a gravidez evoluíram com abortamento fetal espontâneo. Foram encontrados 13 óbitos intra-uterinos e 7 abordamentos. O parto foi prematuro em 57% das gestações e a média de tempo de gestação foi de 35 semanas. A média de peso ao nascer foi de 2.332±961g (variando de 525 a 3.620g). Foram detectados 5 casos de lúpus neonatal (8,9%), sendo um bloqueio cardíaco congênito (BCC) com óbito intrauterino na 29ª semana e 3 plaquetopenias associadas à anti-Ro/ SSA e 1 neutropenia associada ao anti-RNP. Com exceção do caso com BCC, estes anticorpos foram detectados no soro materno e no sangue do cordão umbilical. Ao final do estudo, foram detectados dois óbitos de recém-nascidos, com 9 e 130 dias de vida, em decorrência de complicações com a prematuridade. CONCLUSÕES: com relação à literatura, este estudo mostrou similar prevalência de perda fetal (aborto e óbito intra-uterino), entretanto, a freqüência de prematuridade foi maior que a média referida em outros trabalhos. Manifestações hematológicas do lúpus neonatal, como leucopenia e plaquetopenia foram observadas em freqüência maior do que a referida na literatura. Por serem transitórias e assintomáticas, estas alterações podem ter sido subdiagnosticadas.OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the frequency of neonatal lupus, prematurity, fetal loss, and low weight in pregnancies of SLE patients attended at a tertiary health service. MEHTODS: it is a retrospective study evaluating all SLE patients attended at obstetric center of Hospital São Paulo/Unifesp/EPM from November, 1991 to April, 2003. The mother and children's clinical and laboratory data were obtained reviewing medical records. RESULTS: sixty women and 75 pregnancies were identified. The mother age average during the pregnancies was 27.1±6.1 years old and the median of disease duration was 48 months. Two patients needed to be submitted to dialysis during the pregnancy. Sixty-three patients used prednisone, 4 received methilprednisolone pulsetherapy and 2 received azathioprine during the pregnancy. During the first trimester of pregnancy, 6 patients received diphosphate chloroquine and 2 received hidroxychloroquine. Two patients unknowing pregnancy received pulse of cyclophosphamide and another one had used methotrexate and both presented spontaneous abortion. It was observed 13 cases of intrauterine death and 7 abortions. Preterm birth occurred in 57% of pregnancies and the average duration of gestation was 35 weeks. The mean weight of the newborns was 2,332±961g (ranging from 525 to 3,620g). Five cases of neonatal lupus were identified (8,9%). One with congenital heart block (CHB) had intrauterine death at the 29th week of gestation, had 3 babies with thrombocytopenia associated with anti-Ro/SSA antibodies and one with neutropenia associated with anti-RNP antibody. Excepting the case of CHB with intrauterine death, these antibodies were detected on maternal and newborn blood sample. At the end of the study, it was detected two deaths of children with 9 and 130 days of life, due to complications related to prematurity. CONCLUSIONS: comparing with published reports this study showed a similar frequency of fetal loss (abortion and intrauterine death), however the frequency of prematurity was higher than the mean reported in the literature. Hematological features of neonatal lupus, as leucopenia and thrombocytopenia were observed at higher frequency than reported in the literature. As transitory and asymptomatic features, they could have been under-diagnosed.

Aim To analyze the clinical features, outcomes and prognosis of neonatal lupus erythematosus ( NLE) in China. Method We reviewed 12 NLE cases at the Peking Union Medical College Hospital and compared the data with 111 cases reported in China between 1990 and 2014. The Chinese medical journal search engines used in this study were Wanfang.data and Science China. Results No gender dominance in NLE incidence was found. Cutaneous lesions were present in more than 96% of patients, while cardiac, hematological and hepatobiliary manifestations were seen in 12.61%, 45.53% and 17.89% of cases, respectively. Congenital heart block ( CHB) tended to be more persistent, with two cases showing CHB for 1 year and three cases persisting for 7-10 years. In this study more than 90% of mothers were anti-Sjögren's syndrome A positive, and 65.04% were asymptomatic prior to the pregnancy. Conclusion These results indicate that clinicians, especially dermatologists, in China should improve their recognition of this disease to avoid misdiagnosis, and more attention should be paid to the follow-up of NLE patients and their asymptomatic mothers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background SelectSecure™ pacing leads (Medtronic Inc) are increasingly being used in pediatric patients and adults with structural congenital heart disease. The 4Fr lead is ideal for patients who may require lifelong pacing and can be advantageous for patients with complex anatomy. Objective The purpose of this study was to compare the extraction of SelectSecure leads with conventional (stylette-driven) pacing leads in patients with structural congenital heart disease and congenital atrioventricular block. Methods The data on lead extractions from pediatric and adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) patients from August 2004 to July 2014 at Bristol Royal Hospital for Children and the Bristol Heart Institute were reviewed. Multivariable regression analysis was used to determine whether conventional pacing leads were associated with a more difficult extraction process. Results A total of 57 patients underwent pacemaker lead extractions (22 SelectSecure, 35 conventional). No deaths occurred. Mean age at the time of extraction was 17.6 ± 10.5 years, mean weight was 47 ± 18 kg, and mean lead age was 5.6 ± 2.6 years (range 1–11 years). Complex extraction (partial extraction/femoral extraction) was more common in patients with conventional pacing leads at univariate ( P < .01) and multivariate ( P = .04) levels. Lead age was also a significant predictor of complex extraction ( P < .01). Conclusion SelectSecure leads can be successfully extracted using techniques that are used for conventional pacing leads. They are less likely to be partially extracted and are less likely to require extraction using a femoral approach compared with conventional pacing leads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Résumé Le lupus érythémateux néonatal se manifeste par une atteinte cutanée, hématologique, hépatique ou cardiaque incluant un éventuel bloc auriculo-ventriculaire congénital (BAVc) survenant sur un cœur indemne de cardiopathie malformative, une cardiomyopathie dilatée et une fibroélastose endocardique. Ce syndrome rare est constamment associé à la présence chez la mère d’anticorps anti-SSA/Ro et/ou anti-SSB/La. La fréquence du BAVc chez les femmes ayant une connectivite associée à un anticorps anti-SSA/Ro est estimée entre 1 et 2 %, et le risque de récurrence est évalué à environ 19 % lors d’une grossesse ultérieure. Les atteintes cutanées et systémiques sont transitoires, contrairement aux atteintes cardiaques et notamment au BAVc qui est définitif, associé à une morbidité et à une mortalité d’environ 18 %. La mise en place d’un pacemaker est nécessaire dans 2/3 des cas. Une myocardite peut être associée d’emblée ou apparaître plus tardivement. Les mères d’enfants ayant un BAVc sont le plus souvent asymptomatiques au moment de la découverte du BAVc. La physiopathologie n’est pas complètement élucidée à ce jour. Lorsqu’une femme enceinte est porteuse d’un anticorps anti-SSA/Ro, une surveillance échographique obstétricale sera réalisée tous les 15 jours entre 16 et 24 semaines d’aménorrhée et un électrocardiogramme sera fait de principe chez l’enfant. L’intérêt d’un traitement curatif in utero du BAVc par corticoïdes fluorés n’est à ce jour pas démontré. Un traitement préventif par hydroxychloroquine semble diminuer le risque de récidive du BAVc chez les femmes ayant déjà eu un enfant atteint. Une étude prospective est en cours pour confirmer ces résultats. Neonatal lupus syndrome is associated with transplacental passage of maternal anti-SSA/Ro and anti-SSB/La antibodies. Children display cutaneous, hematological, liver or cardiac features. Cardiac manifestations include congenital heart block (CHB); endocardial fibroelastosis and dilated cardiomyopathy. The prevalence of CHB in newborns of anti-Ro/SSA positive women with known connective tissue disease is between 1 and 2% and the risk of recurrence is around 19%. Skin and systemic lesions are transient, whereas CHB is definitive and associated with significant morbidity and a mortality of 18%. A pacemaker must be implanted in 2/3 of cases. Myocarditis may be associated or appear secondly. Mothers of children with CHB are usually asymptomatic or display Sjogren's syndrome or undifferentiated connective tissue disease. In anti-Ro/SSA positive pregnant women, fetal echocardiography should be performed at least every 2 weeks from the 16th to 24th week gestation. An electrocardiogram should be performed for all newborn babies. The benefit of fluorinated corticosteroid therapy for CHB detected in utero remains unclear. Maternal use of hydroxychloroquine may be associated with a decreased recurrent CHB risk in a subsequent offspring. A prospective study is actually ongoing to confirm these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Objective To examine the association between anti-Ro antibodies, namely anti-Ro60/SS-A and anti-Ro52/TRIM21, together and separately, and a prolonged QT interval corrected for heart rate (QTc) in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients. Methods A total of 689 SSc patients enrolled in a multicenter cohort study underwent a 12-lead resting EKG at baseline. The QTc interval was measured, and a QTc ≥ 440 ms was considered prolonged. Detailed clinical data and sera of these patients were collected and positivity for anti-Ro60/SS-A and anti-Ro52/TRIM21 antibodies was determined using an addressable laser bead immunoassay (ALBIA). Results QTc prolongation was common in this SSc cohort (25%). In a univariate analysis, Ro antibodies, together or separately, were not associated with prolongation of the QTc interval [mean difference in QTc in anti-Ro antibody positive versus negative subjects was −2.2 ms ( p = 0.5748), in anti-Ro60/SS-A antibody positive versus negative subjects was 1.3 ms ( p = 0.8616), and in anti-Ro52/TRIM21 antibody positive versus negative subjects was −3.3 ms ( p = 0.4106)]. In a multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusting for possible confounders, there was no association between prolonged QTc and anti-Ro antibodies [odds ratio (OR) = 0.74, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.45, 1.22], anti-Ro60/SS-A antibodies (OR = 1.57, 95% CI: 0.72, 3.41), and anti-Ro52/TRIM21 antibodies (OR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.46, 1.26). However, in both univariate and multivariate analyses, QTc prolongation was associated with longer disease duration, greater disease severity, and the presence of anti-RNA polymerase III antibodies. Conclusions QTc prolongation is common in SSc, although anti-Ro antibodies do not seem to be associated with it as is the case in systemic lupus erythematosus. The reasons for this difference as well as the cause of abnormalities in cardiac repolarization in SSc will require additional studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiac dysfunction commonly occurs in congenital heart block associated with maternal anti-SSA antibodies, especially after pacemaker implantation. We report the case of a 4-year-old girl with antibody-associated congenital heart block and a large secundum atrial septal defect who presented with significant cardiac dysfunction 4 years after pacemaker implantation. Histological findings were useful for determining the course of treatment and perioperative risk of intracardiac repair.

Background: Congenital complete atrioventricular block without any structural heart disease and anti-Ro/La negativity is very rare. Discordant complete atrioventricular block, which is more frequently defined in the literature as an autoimmune mechanism, is much more rare in monozygotic twins. Case Report: The 26-year-old healthy mother had given birth in her first spontaneous, uneventful pregnancy to monozygotic twins at week 35. While the first twin's physical examination proved her to be normal with a pulse rate consistent with her age, the second twin had a pulse rate of approximately 40 beats/minute. The patient was confirmed to have congenital complete atrioventricular block. Conclusion: Despite this case appears to be an isolated one, a discordant complete atrioventricular block regression without any autoimmune evidence should be included in the differential diagnosis of bradycardia in infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Objective To distinguish between blocked atrial bigeminy ( BB) and incomplete atrioventricular block with 2:1 conduction (2:1 AVB) can be very difficult, especially in the mid-term fetus. Making a correct diagnosis has important clinical implications, as their prognosis and management differ markedly. Our objective was to investigate whether analysis of isovolumetric time intervals could improve Doppler echocardiography in differentiating these conditions. Methods Sixteen fetuses with sustained BB or isolated 2:1 AVB, diagnosed at our tertiary center from 2002 to 2012, were reviewed retrospectively. Doppler recordings of left ventricular in- and outflow, including mitral and aortic valve movements, were used to measure isovolumetric contraction ( ICT) and relaxation ( IRT) time intervals. ICT reference values obtained from 104 normal pregnancies were used for comparison. Results Ten fetuses had BB and six 2:1 AVB. Five of the AVB cases were anti-Ro antibody positive and one had long QT syndrome ( LQTS). ICT was systematically shorter in BB than in antibody-mediated 2:1 AVB. Nine of 10 cases with BB had an ICT below −2 SD and the five with antibody-mediated 2:1 AVB had values at or above +2 SD. All 15 fetuses with either BB or antibody-mediated AVB had an IRT of < 70 ms, as opposed to a markedly prolonged IRT (105 ms) in the LQTS case. Conclusion Measurement of ICT can improve the differential diagnosis between BB and antibody-mediated 2:1 AVB. Fetuses with BB or antibody-mediated AVB are unlikely to have IRT measurements exceeding 70 ms and, when this is observed, LQTS should be considered a more likely diagnosis. Copyright © 2014 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Autoantibody-associated congenital heart block (CHB) is a passively acquired autoimmune condition associated with maternal anti-Ro/SSA antibodies and primarily affecting electric signal conduction at the atrioventricular node in the fetal heart. CHB occurs in 1–2% of anti-Ro/SSA antibody-positive pregancies and has a recurrence rate of 12–20% in a subsequent pregnancy. Despite the long-recognized association between maternal anti-Ro/SSA autoantibodies and CHB, the molecular mechanisms underlying CHB pathogenesis are not fully understood, but several targets for the maternal autoantibodies in the fetal heart have been suggested. Recent studies also indicate that fetal susceptibility genes determine whether an autoantibody-exposed fetus will develop CHB or not, and begin to identify such genes. In this article, we review the different lines of investigation undertaken to elucidate the molecular pathways involved in CHB development and reflect on the hypotheses put forward to explain CHB pathogenesis as well as on the questions left unanswered and that should guide future studies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Neonatal lupus (NL) is defined by the presentation of the fetus and the newborn who possess autoantibodies received from the mother. It is the dysfunction of the maternal immune system that leads to the production of autoantibodies to anti–Sjögren syndrome–A, anti–Sjögren syndrome–B, and anti-ribonuclear protein antigens. These antibodies are shared through the placenta and produce bodily changes in the fetal skin and heart, as well as potential changes in other body systems. Congenital complete heart block is the most dangerous manifestation of NL that can occur in utero or after birth. This article will provide an overview the presentation of NL and current therapies. Prenatal steroids have been the mainstay of therapy to try to reverse first- and second-degree congenital heart block and to prevent progression to a more advanced stage. New therapies are combining steroids with intravenous immunoglobulin and plasmapheresis. This article will provide guidelines for practitioners so they can consider NL as a differential diagnosis when presented with cutaneous lesions, congenital heart block, or abnormal findings in the hematologic, hepatobiliary, neurologic, and musculoskeletal systems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective The main aim of this study was to identify foetal susceptibility genes on chromosome six for Ro/ SSA autoantibody-mediated congenital heart block. Subjects and Design Single nucleotide polymorphism ( SNP) genotyping of individuals in the Swedish Congenital Heart Block ( CHB) study population was performed. Low-resolution HLA-A, -Cw and - DRB1 allele typing was carried out in 86 families comprising 339 individuals (86 Ro/ SSA autoantibody-positive mothers, 71 fathers, 87 CHB index cases and 95 unaffected siblings). Results A case-control comparison between index cases and population-based out-of-study controls ( n = 1710) revealed association of CHB with 15 SNPs in the 6p21.3 MHC locus at a chromosome-wide significance of P < 2.59 × 10−6 ( OR 2.21-3.12). In a family-based analysis of association of SNP markers as well as distinct MHC class I and II alleles with CHB, HLA- DRB1*04 and HLA-Cw*05 variants were significantly more frequently transmitted to affected individuals ( P < 0.03 and P < 0.05, respectively), whilst HLA- DRB1*13 and HLA-Cw*06 variants were significantly less often transmitted to affected children ( P < 0.04 and P < 0.03). We further observed marked association of increased paternal (but not maternal) HLA- DRB1*04 transmission to affected offspring ( P < 0.02). Conclusions HLA- DRB1*04 and HLA-Cw*05 were identified as novel foetal HLA allele variants that confer susceptibility to CHB in response to Ro/ SSA autoantibody exposure, whilst DRB1*13 and Cw*06 emerged as protective alleles. Additionally, we demonstrated a paternal contribution to foetal susceptibility to CHB for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neonatal lupus erythematosus is an infrequent disease seen in newborns. It is caused by transplacental maternal autoantibody passage. Cutaneous involvement and congenital heart block (CHB) are the most common affections, although it may involve multiple organs like the liver, lungs, blood, nervous or digestive systems. This article present a review of the four cases diagnosed in the past five years in a Neonatal Unit, which shows the different clinical spectrum which can develop around this disease (CHB, multisystemic affection and two cutaneous cases), different autoantibodies (specially anti-SSA) with an early negativization during the first year of life and the possibility of future collagen vascular disease as occurred in one case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Neonatal lupus erythematosus refers to the clinical spectrum of cardiac, cutaneous and other systemic abnormalities in neonates born to mothers with autoantibodies against Ro/SSA and La/SSB antigens. Isolated central nervous system involvement is very rare and has been described as transient vasculopathy only. We describe a 2-months-old girl who presented with acute ischemic stroke secondary to central nervous system vasculitis without any cardiac, cutaneous or hematological manifestations. The mother was pauci-symptomatic with raised anti-Ro autoantibody titers; the baby was positive for autoantibodies against Ro-antigen. Angiography confirmed vasculitis in cerebral vasculature. Our case highlights that neonatal lupus erythematosus can present with isolated nervous system manifestations and the vascular damage can be permanent in the form of vasculitis. Early recognition will help pediatricians identify such possible permanent complications in newborns with neonatal lupus erythematosus. A review of previously reported central nervous system manifestations of neonatal lupus is also presented. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aims We aim to engineer a computational model of propagation during normal sinus rhythm in the foetal human heart, by modifying models for adult cardiac tissue to match foetal electrocardiogram (fECG) characteristics. The model will be partially validated by fECG data, and applied to explore possible mechanisms of arrhythmogenesis in the foetal heart. Methods and results Foetal electrocardiograms have been recorded during pregnancy, with P- and T-waves, and the QRS complex, identified by averaging and signal processing. Intervals of the fECG are extracted and used to modify currently available human adult cardiomyocyte models. RR intervals inform models of the pacemaking cells by constraining their rate, the QT interval and its rate dependence constrain models of ventricular cells, and the width of the P-wave, the QR and PR intervals constrain propagation times, conduction velocities, and intercellular coupling. These cell models are coupled into a one-dimensional (1D) model of propagation during normal sinus rhythm in the human foetal heart. We constructed a modular, heterogeneous 1D model for propagation in the foetal heart, and predicted the effects of reduction in L-type Ca++ current. These include bradycardia and atrioventricular conduction blocks. These may account quantitatively for congenital heart block produced by positive IgG antibodies. Conclusion The fECG can be interpreted mechanistically and quantitatively by using a simple computational model for propagation. After further validation, by clinical recordings of the fECG and the electrophysiological experiments on foetal cardiac cells and tissues, the model may be used to predict the effects of maternally administered pharmaceuticals on the fECG. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Human maternal autoantibodies can trigger autoimmune diseases such as congenital heart block (CHB) in the progeny of women with lupus or Sjogren's disease. The pathogenic effect of early autoantibody (autoAb) exposure has been investigated in a murine neonatal autoimmune ovarian disease (nAOD) model triggered by a unique ZP3 antibody. Although immune complexes (IC) are formed in adult and neonatal ovaries, ZP3 antibody triggers severe nAOD only in <7-day-old neonatal mice. Propensity to nAOD is due to the uniquely hyper-responsive neonatal natural killer (NK) cells that lack the inhibitory Ly49C/I receptors. In nAOD, the neonatal NK cells directly mediate ovarian inflammation and oocyte depletion while simultaneously promoting de novo pathogenic ovarian-specific T cell responses. Resistance to nAOD in older mice results from the emergence of the Ly49C/I+ NK cells that regulate effector NK cells and from CD25+ regulatoryT cell control. In preliminary studies, FcgRIIIC NK cells as well as the ovarian resident FcγRIII+ macrophages and/or dendritic cells were found to be as indispensable players. Activated by ovarian IC, they migrate to lymphoid organs where NK cell priming occurs. Remarkably, the findings in nAOD are very similar to those reported for neonatal responses to a retrovirus and its cognate antibody that lead to long-lasting immunity. Studies on nAOD therefore provide insights into maternal autoAb-mediated neonatal autoimmunity, including CHB, while simultaneously uncovering new properties of the neonatal innate and adaptive responses, lethality of premature infant infection, and novel neonatal antiviral vaccine design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To investigate the correlation between maternal autoantibodies and age at diagnosis of isolated complete atrioventricular ( AV) block ( CAVB) and to study signs of late progression of foetal immune-mediated insults in cases of postnatally diagnosed CAVB. Methods Patients with CAVB (n = 190) identified in a population-based manner were included. Maternal autoantibody profile was correlated with age at CAVB diagnosis. A structured review of medical records was performed if a late CAVB diagnosis (>27 days post-partum) was associated with a sero-positive mother. Results Maternal Ro/La autoantibodies were observed in 88% of cases with a congenital diagnosis. Thirteen cases with a sero-positive mother and late CAVB diagnosis were found (age-range: 4 months-43 years). In two cases, CAVB was diagnosed in conjunction with infections, one case had a family history of cardiomyopathy and two cases had nontypical clinical presentations, indicating alternative pathogenetic mechanisms. In the remaining eight cases, no likely factors inducing CAVB, other than maternal autoantibodies, could be identified. Conclusion Our observations support the hypothesis that late progression to CAVB can be the result of an immune-mediated pathogenetic mechanism during foetal life. An autoantibody-associated diagnosis after the neonatal period is therefore possible, and testing of maternal serology at the time of diagnosis is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Current standard methods of monitoring fetal heart function are mainly based on echocardiography, which provides indirect information (through mechanical assessment) of the fetal heart rhythm. Fetal magnetocardiography (fMCG) allows a reliable quantification of the temporal structure of fetal heart signals. However, its application in clinical studies is difficult because extracting the fetal heart signal for most current applications requires user intervention. To overcome this limitation, we developed a completely automated extraction algorithm. Patients and methods: The fMCG recordings were acquired using a 156-channel biomagnetic system. To perform an automated analysis, a combination of orthogonal projection and independent component analysis was used. fMCG recordings from 69 healthy uncomplicated singleton pregnancies with normally developing fetuses were included in the study. Results: The normal values achieved by the automated algorithm were comparable to previously published data. The majority of the cardiac time intervals were positively correlated with gestational age (GA). The ST segment, T wave and QT interval did not show any correlation. Conclusions: The automated detection of fetal heart signals was possible beginning at a GA of 19 weeks. This automated analysis of fMCG recordings might be an objective and easily applicable approach for clinicians to analyze fetal heart signals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]