Should Physicians Be Aware of Rhythm Disturbances in Adults with Systemic Autoimmune Diseases and Anti-Ro52 Antibodies? A Cross-Sectional Study

Objectives: The association between anti-Ro/SSA antibodies and the appearance of cardiac rhythm disorders in adults is discussed. We aim to study this relationship, together with active treatments and comorbidities, and its impact on daily clinical practice in adults with systemic autoimmune diseases (SADs).

Methods: This cross-sectional single-center study was conducted in a tertiary hospital between January 2021 and March 2022. A sample of adult patients followed up in the SAD Unit with a diagnosis of an SAD and previously tested for anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB were recruited. All of them underwent a 12-lead electrocardiogram.

Results: In total, 167 patients were included. In total, 90 (53.9%) were positive for anti-Ro60, 101 (60.5%) for anti-Ro52, and 45 (26.9%) for anti-La/SSB; 52 (31.3%) were triple-negative. In total, 84% were women, and the mean age was 59 years (standard deviation 12.8). The most common SAD was primary Sjögren’s syndrome (34.8%), followed by systemic lupus erythematosus (24.6%) and rheumatoid arthritis (22.8%). A statistically significant relationship was found between anti-Ro52 positivity and cardiac rhythm disorders (relative risk = 2.007 [1.197–3.366]), specifically QTc prolongation (relative risk = 4.248 [1.553–11.615]). Multivariate regressions showed a significant association, with diabetes mellitus being the most related comorbidity. The association between anti-Ro52 antibodies and atrioventricular conduction disorders was not significant.

Conclusions: The presence of anti-Ro52 antibodies in adult patients with SADs is associated with an increased risk of QTc prolongation. The electrocardiographic screening of patients with SAD, anti-Ro52 antibodies, and other risk factors, like diabetes mellitus or QT-prolonging drugs, seems advisable. Those with baseline electrocardiogram abnormalities or additional risk factors should undergo electrocardiographic monitoring.