Neonatal lupus is a rare condition affecting children. According to the Lupus Foundation of America, neonatal lupus is not the same as traditional lupus; instead, it is a condition associated with certain antibodies from the mother that are passed to the fetus in the womb.
In some cases, the symptoms of neonatal lupus may be minor and may disappear after a few weeks or months. In others, however, the symptoms may be serious.
Understanding this condition, as well as how it can be prevented, may help you pursue a medical malpractice claim to recover compensation. Consult our neonatal lupus lawyers in New York for help.
What causes neonatal lupus in newborn babies?
Neonatal lupus is caused by the “transplacental passage of maternal autoantibodies,” according to Medscape. Specifically, neonatal lupus may develop in a newborn baby if a mother has produced anti-SSA/Ro and anti-SSB/LA antibodies, which are associated with autoimmune diseases. Neonatal lupus is rare — only 1 to 2 percent of newborns with mothers with these antibodies develop the condition, according to Medscape. The symptoms associated with the disease range from mild to severe.
Symptoms Associated with Neonatal Lupus
Neonatal lupus is associated with a variety of different symptoms, which are listed below.
- Skin rash
- Liver problems
- Low blood cell counts
These three symptoms, however, generally subside within the first few weeks or months of the baby’s life.
Neonatal lupus can, however, also lead to congenital heart block, which can cause a slowed heartbeat in the baby. Congenital heart block will not resolve on its own and will require the baby to utilize a pacemaker. Heart failure is also a possible complication in neonatal lupus, according to Medscape.
Medical Negligence & Neonatal Lupus
Because certain antibodies present in the mother ultimately may cause neonatal lupus, medical negligence may not be responsible for the condition. However, there may be certain cases in which a doctor failed to diagnose neonatal lupus or recognize the child’s risk of the condition. Mothers who have previously given birth to a child with neonatal lupus should be monitored during subsequent pregnancies.
Prescription of fluorinated systemic steroids, per Medscape, may help prevent the condition. Other treatments also may reduce risk of the condition, which doctors should consider and discuss with the patient. With proper treatment, some children may avoid developing the condition.
If the doctor fails to take these steps, however, and the baby develops neonatal lupus, the mother may be able to initiate a medical malpractice claim, alleging that the doctor’s negligence contributed in part to the condition. This can be difficult to prove, however, and often requires testimony from a medical expert familiar with neonatal lupus and proper prenatal care.
Ultimately, parents must prove that the doctor was negligent in providing substandard prenatal care and that this substandard care led to or contributed to development of the child’s condition. Work with our neonatal lupus attorneys in New York to collect the right evidence and prove your case.
Let Our Neonatal Lupus Lawyers in New York Help You and Your Child
At Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C., we believe that your child deserves to be healthy and happy, which is why we are committed to helping you recover compensation. If your baby developed neonatal lupus and you suspect negligence played a role, contact one of our attorneys today to discuss your options. You can reach us by calling 800-550-0000. Or fill out the form on our contact page to set up your consultation.