Arrhythmogenic effects of anti-Ro/SSA antibodies on the adult heart: More than expected?

Abstract The arrhythmogenicity of anti-Ro/SSA antibodies for the foetal heart and their crucial role in the development of congenital heart block is now well established, representing a paradigmatic model of passively acquired autoimmunity. Recently, intriguing data suggest that also the adult heart...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Autoimmunity reviews 2009-09, Vol.9 (1), p.40-44
Main Authors: Lazzerini, Pietro Enea, Capecchi, Pier Leopoldo, Acampa, Maurizio, Selvi, Enrico, Guideri, Francesca, Bisogno, Stefania, Rossi, Pier Carlo, Galeazzi, Mauro, Laghi Pasini, Franco
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Allergy and Immunology
Anti-Ro/SSA antibodies
Conduction disorders
KCNH2
QTc interval
Ventricular arrhythmias
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Summary:Abstract The arrhythmogenicity of anti-Ro/SSA antibodies for the foetal heart and their crucial role in the development of congenital heart block is now well established, representing a paradigmatic model of passively acquired autoimmunity. Recently, intriguing data suggest that also the adult heart may represent a possible target of anti-Ro/SSA antibody-mediated autoimmune injury. The prolongation of the QTc interval, possibly resulting from a direct inhibitory interaction between the anti-Ro/SSA antibodies and the potassium current IKr in the heart seems the abnormality more frequently observed in adults with anti-Ro/SSA-positive CTD. Although the possibility that anti-Ro/SSA positivity may be considered a risk factor for arrhythmic sudden death in adults has not been demonstrated as yet, preliminary data suggest a relationship among anti-Ro/SSA antibodies, QTc prolongation, and the prevalence of ventricular arrhythmias, also life threatening, in adult patients.
ISSN:1568-9972
1568-9972
DOI:10.1016/j.autrev.2009.03.002