Concurrent multiple morphea and neonatal lupus erythematosus in an infant boy born to a mother with SLE

Abstract

An infant boy born to a mother with systemic lupus erythematosus developed multiple morphea and annular erythematous lesions. The annular lesions appeared on his face, back, chest and extremities one month after birth and faded within 7 months. The sclerotic lesions progressed until the age of 6 months and remain on his back, chest, right cheek, the nape of the neck and left shoulder at the age of 3 years. Histological findings in the sclerotic lesions were consistent with scleroderma. Serological tests, performed at 14 months of age, were within normal limits. The mother developed acute SLE and died of cardio-renal failure 8 months after the delivery. It is highly probable that maternal factors transferred through the placenta caused the sclerotic lesions in the infant.