Maternal Connective Tissue Disease and Congenital Heart Block

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Abstract
To the Editor: The recent report by Litsey et al. (Jan. 10 issue)1 attempted to correlate the presence of maternal antinuclear antibody with immunoglobulin and complement deposition in the atrial appendage of a three-day-old infant. According to their report, the infant's serum contained antinuclear antibody in a titer of 1:1280, and they were able to demonstrate antibody to Ro(SS-A) in that sample. These antibodies are presumably transferred to the child through the placenta. By demonstrating deposition of immunoglobulin and complement in the child's heart, the authors provide a much needed bridge between the findings of maternal autoantibodies and neonatal cardiac . . .

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