Clinical and serological identification of 2 forms of complete heart block in children.

Abstract

CCHB detected before the age of 3 mo is highly associated with the presence of anti-Ro(SSA)/La(SSB) in the mothers, while CCHB diagnosed later is generally not. For epidemiological studies, the former type should be considered early onset as opposed to late onset CCHB in the latter type. Establishing this clinicoserological distinction is also important for the children, since it alerts the clinician to a more severe prognosis (necessity of a pacemaker), even in the rare occurrence of late diagnosed CCHB.