The presence of Anti-SSA/Ro in pregnant women with SLE is associated with an increased risk of neonatal lupus erythematosus which can be accompanied by congenital heart block (CHB) in the fetus. SLE-related symptoms in infants that arise from Anti-Ro/SSA resolve in about six months as the mothers antibodies leave the babys system. Mothers of babies with NLE most often do not show signs of autoimmune disease.
The role of Anti-SSA/Ro in NLE is remains under study, as recent studies have suggested that CHB in neonates is more generally linked to instances of autoimmunity in the mother rather than the presence of Anti-Ro/SSA antibody.