The risk of pediatric cardiovascular diseases in offspring born to mothers with systemic lupus erythematosus: a nationwide study

Abstract

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a common autoimmune disease predominantly affecting women, has been linked to various complications during pregnancy. The transfer of anti-Ro/SSA antibodies from SLE-affected mothers to their offspring can lead to neonatal lupus and cardiac issues. This study investigated the association between maternal SLE and the risk of pediatric cardiovascular disorders. Methods: The study utilized South Korea’s National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) database, covering 3,505,737 children born between 2007 and 2017 and tracked until 2020. Maternal SLE cases were identified using the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Diseases Tenth revision (ICD-10) codes and linked with delivery records. Cardiologic disorders were categorized into congenital heart disease (CHD), arrhythmic disorders, and acquired heart disease. Propensity score matching with 1:4 ratios was applied to the set control group. Results: Among 3,505,737 children, 0.7% (n = 23,330) were born to mothers with SLE. The incidence of preterm birth was significantly higher in the maternal SLE group (5.9% vs. 3.0%). Compared with the control group, children born to mothers with SLE exhibited a significantly elevated risk of overall CHDs (5.5%, adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.21; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.14–1.29), including atrial septal defect (1.18; 1.09–1.28) and patent ductus arteriosus (1.15; 1.03–1.30). In addition, a notably higher risk was observed in arrhythmic disorders (complete atrioventricular block 7.20; 2.41–21.49) and acquired cardiac disorders, including cardiomyopathy (1.40; 1.17–1.68) and mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome (MCLS) (1.27; 1.15–1.43). Conclusions: Maternal SLE is associated with congenital and acquired cardiac disorders in offspring, including structural, arrhythmic, and MCLS. This study highlights the need for continuous cardiovascular monitoring from the prenatal stage to preadolescence in these children due to multifactorial influences involving maternal autoantibodies, genetic predisposition, and environmental factors.