Cardiological state of offsprings of the mothers suffering from systemic lupus erythematosus

: Systemic lupus erythematosus is a disease in which inflammatory process provoked by different antibodies affects many organs and systems. The circulatory system is one of them. In patients with systemic lupus erythematosus cardiac disorders are generally known and well proved. It is known that this disease has heritage background. Thus, the offsprings of patients suffering from systemic lupus erythematosus belong to a risk group. Moreover, it is thought that maternal antibodies crossing transplancentally to the fetus cause damages of tissues including the heart. The aim of this study was to evaluate cardiological status of 38 children whose mothers suffered from systemic lupus erythematosus. In all sick mothers the diagnosis fulfilled criteria of the American Rheumatism Association. The mothers have been remaining under medical treatment while the children have been under control and simultaneously prophylaxis of lupus has been undertaken. The study was undertaken in 17 girls and 21 boys aged 3 to 18 years (average: 12 +/- 4.5 years). Physical development of presented children was satisfactory. During cardiological examination all subjects were in good general condition, without any clinical evidence of collagen disease and infection. Obtained results were compared with the ones found in control group of 38 children of healthy mothers, being at the same age. Study methods were: physical examination, arterial blood pressure measurement, standard and 24 hours according to Holter method ECG record, echocardiographic and Doppler examination, and physical performance test according to Bruce's protocol. In children of sick mothers examined laboratory parameters were within the normal limits excluding the presence of antinuclear antibodies (controlled by indirect immunofluorescence test), result of which was positive in 15 studied children (39%). In the group of the children of sick mothers the abnormalities of sinus node function were detected in 12 cases (32%), significantly more often than in the control. There were found abnormalities of atrio-ventricular and intraventricular conduction in 15 subjects (40%). The premature beats of ventricular origin were noticed in 3 cases (8%). These disturbances were significantly different from the control group. In addition, correlation between the presence of antinuclear antibodies and the cardiac abnormalities was taken into consideration. So, significant correlation between antinuclear antibodies and heart rhythm disorders was proved. During echocardiographic examination structural and functional abnormalities were found. They were: ventricular septal defect (muscular part) (1), pericarditis effusion (1), prolapse of the mitral valve anterior leaflet (2), mitral valve regurgitation of the second degree (2) and increased diameter of left atrium (8). One girl from the studied group, suffering from atrio-ventricular block of III* was operated on because of persistent ductus arteriosus still in the newborn's period. At the same time the permanent pace-maker was implanted. After 1 year of age this girl was operated on because of atrial septal defect (ASD II). In studied group of children echocardiographic global indices of left ventricular systolic function were normal. The subclinical impairment of diastolic left ventricle function was found in 8 children with increased left atrium-aorta index. Both the theoretical knowledge and the results of the studies suggest that the offsprings of mothers suffering from SLE need a careful cardiological observation.