Molecular Mechanisms of Fetal and Neonatal Lupus: A Narrative Review of an Autoimmune Disease Transferal across the Placenta.

This study, conducted by searching keywords such as "maternal lupus", "neonatal lupus", and "congenital heart block" in databases including PubMed and Scopus, provides a detailed narrative review on fetal and neonatal lupus. Autoantibodies like anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB may cross the placenta and cause complications in neonates, such as congenital heart block (CHB). Management options involve hydroxychloroquine, which is able to counteract some of the adverse events, although the drug needs to be used carefully because of its impact on the QTc interval. Advanced pacing strategies for neonates with CHB, especially in severe forms like hydrops, are also assessed. This review emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary care by rheumatologists, obstetricians, and pediatricians in order to achieve the best maternal and neonatal health in lupus pregnancies. This multidisciplinary approach seeks to improve the outcomes and management of the disease, decreasing the burden on mothers and their infants.

Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) Syndrome: A 10-Year Retrospective Cohort Study in an Italian Centre of Pediatric Rheumatology.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) syndrome is a rare pediatric disorder consisting of a sudden onset of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and/or tics after a group A Streptococcus (GAS) infection. METHODS: In the period between 2013 and 2023, 61 children presented to our Pediatric Rheumatology unit with a suspicion of PANDAS syndrome. Among these, a retrospective analysis was conducted, and 19 fulfilled the current classification criteria and were included in this study. RESULTS: The male-to-female ratio was 14:5, the median age at onset was 7.0 (2.0-9.5) years, and the median age at diagnosis was 8.0 (3.0-10.4) years. The median follow-up period was 16.0 (6.0-72.0) months. Family and personal history were relevant in 7/19 and 6/19 patients. Tics were present in all patients. Details for motor tics were retrospectively available in 18/19 patients, with the eyes (11/18) and neck/head (10/18) being most often involved. Vocal tics were documented in 8/19, behavioral changes in 10/19, and OCD in 2/19. Regarding the therapeutic response, all patients responded to amoxicillin, 12/13 to benzathine benzylpenicillin, and 7/9 to azithromycin. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings partially overlap with previous reports. Larger prospective studies are needed to improve treatment strategies and classification criteria.