Neonatal Lupus Erythematosus

**Semantic type:** Disease or Syndrome

**Definition:** A self-limited skin rash that appears in the neonatal period and usually resolves in four to six months after birth. It is caused by placental transfer of maternal autoantibodies, usually anti-Ro antibody. In a minority of cases, it is associated with congenital heart block, hepatitis, or thrombocytopenia. The mothers of the affected babies may be asymptomatic or suffer from systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjogren's syndrome, or rheumatoid arthritis.