Overview
Secondary neonatal autoimmune disease is a group of conditions that affect newborn babies when antibodies from the mother's immune system cross the placenta during pregnancy and attack the baby's own tissues. These are not caused by a problem in the baby's own immune system or genes, but rather by the mother's autoimmune antibodies being passed to the baby before birth. This is why the condition is called "secondary" — it is a consequence of the mother's autoimmune condition rather than a primary problem in the baby. The specific symptoms depend on which maternal antibodies are involved. Common examples include neonatal lupus (where the mother has antibodies related to lupus or Sjögren syndrome), neonatal autoimmune thyroid disease, neonatal myasthenia gravis, and neonatal autoimmune blood cell disorders. Babies may develop skin rashes, heart rhythm problems (heart block), low blood cell counts, liver inflammation, or muscle weakness. In many cases, the condition is temporary because the mother's antibodies gradually clear from the baby's bloodstream over weeks to months. Treatment depends on the specific type and severity. Some babies need only monitoring, while others may require medications, blood transfusions, or even a pacemaker for permanent heart block. Early recognition and appropriate management by a team of specialists can greatly improve outcomes for affected newborns.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Skin rash, especially on the face or scalpSlow heart rate or abnormal heart rhythm (heart block)Low red blood cell count (anemia)Low platelet count causing easy bruising or bleedingLow white blood cell countLiver inflammation or abnormal liver testsMuscle weakness or floppinessPoor feeding or difficulty suckingJaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)Swelling or fluid buildupFatigue or low energyBreathing difficultiesThyroid problems (overactive or underactive thyroid)
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Neonatal
Begins at or shortly after birth (first 4 weeks)
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Secondary neonatal autoimmune disease.
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Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Secondary neonatal autoimmune disease.
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Caregiver Resources
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Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.Which specific maternal antibodies are causing my baby's symptoms?,Are my baby's symptoms expected to be temporary or could any be permanent?,Does my baby need a pacemaker or any other long-term treatment?,How often will my baby need follow-up blood tests and heart monitoring?,What signs should I watch for at home that would need emergency care?,If I have another pregnancy, what is the chance this could happen again?,Are there any treatments I can receive during a future pregnancy to reduce the risk?
Common questions about Secondary neonatal autoimmune disease
What is Secondary neonatal autoimmune disease?
Secondary neonatal autoimmune disease is a group of conditions that affect newborn babies when antibodies from the mother's immune system cross the placenta during pregnancy and attack the baby's own tissues. These are not caused by a problem in the baby's own immune system or genes, but rather by the mother's autoimmune antibodies being passed to the baby before birth. This is why the condition is called "secondary" — it is a consequence of the mother's autoimmune condition rather than a primary problem in the baby. The specific symptoms depend on which maternal antibodies are involved. Comm
How is Secondary neonatal autoimmune disease inherited?
Secondary neonatal autoimmune disease follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Secondary neonatal autoimmune disease typically begin?
Typical onset of Secondary neonatal autoimmune disease is neonatal. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.
Which specialists treat Secondary neonatal autoimmune disease?
9 specialists and care centers treating Secondary neonatal autoimmune disease are listed on UniteRare, sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov principal investigators, published research, and the NPPES NPI registry.