Treatment and follow-up of fetuses that developed congenital heart block due to autoantibody in two cases

OBJECTIVE: Autoantibody-related congenital heart block (ACHB) is a passively acquired autoimmune disease. This study aimed to examine the pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and treatment of ACHB. METHOD: The clinical data of two fetuses with first-degree ACHB were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Two pregnant women were strongly positive for anti-Sjögren’s syndrome-related antigen A (SSA) antibody. Among these two cases, one had a prolonged atrioventricular (AV) interval at 28(+3) weeks in utero, while the other had a prolonged AV interval at 24(+6) weeks in utero. After prenatal intervention, one patient recovered to normal, while one fetus continued to have ACHB after treatment with dexamethasone and intravenous immunoglobulin. Furthermore, the two neonates were positive for anti-SSA antibody and were diagnosed with ACHB. CONCLUSION: The pathogenesis of ACHB is closely correlated with anti-SSA/Ro antibody and anti-SSB/La antibody from the mother, and is affected by fetal susceptibility. Early screening and early intervention for ACHB are important.