Neonatal ischemic stroke potentially associated with transplacental passage of maternal anti-cardiolipin immunoglobulin G antibodies: A case report

A baby girl, born to a 35-year-old mother, was admitted at 14.5 hours of life due to apnoea and seizures. Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging revealed multiple ischemic lesions. Laboratory screening for thrombophilia showed elevated levels of anti-cardiolipin IgG antibodies (aCL-IgG). The mother also tested positive for aCL-IgG, raising the possibility of transplacental antibody transfer. The neonate's aCL-IgG levels gradually declined and normalized by 4 months of age. Although causality cannot be established, this case suggests a potential association between transient maternal antiphospholipid antibodies and neonatal ischemic stroke.