Reverse complete heart block using transcutaneous pacing and repeated plasmapheresis in a neonate with lupus: a case report

BACKGROUND: It has been reported that the complete heart block (CHB) in neonatal lupus (NL) cannot be reversed. This study reported a case of NL-CHB that was reversed by transcutaneous pacing and repeated plasmapheresis. CASE PRESENTATION: A 35(+ 6)-week male preterm baby was transferred to the neonatal intensive care unit of the Army Medical Center in May 2020 for slight cyanosis around the lips and nose. Two days after birth, a sudden decrease in heart rate was observed during electrocardiogram (EGG) monitoring. Physical examination revealed a bluish-purple discoloration around the lips and an irregular heartbeat. EGG showed the presence of isolated P (142 bpm) and QRS (78 bpm) waves, ventricular escape beats, and a diagnosis of NL-CHB. To reverse the condition, transcutaneous pacing and five sessions of plasmapheresis were performed. At a 1.5-year follow-up, the baby exhibited well-developed cardiac structure and normal neurodevelopment. CONCLUSIONS: Transcutaneous pacing and repeated plasmapheresis might be possible to reverse CHB in NL. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12969-023-00920-w.