The symptoms of neonatal lupus can vary, but they typically include:
- Skin Rash: The most common symptom, appearing as red, circular lesions on the face and scalp. This rash usually appears within the first few weeks of life and often resolves by 6-8 months of age. - Heart Block: This is a serious condition where the electrical signals in the heart are delayed or blocked. It can range from first-degree heart block to complete heart block, which may require a pacemaker. - Liver Abnormalities: Some infants may have elevated liver enzymes or hepatomegaly (enlarged liver). - Blood Abnormalities: Low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia) or low white blood cell counts (leukopenia) can occur.
