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Updated: May 20, 2026

A Simple Cell-based Immunofluorescence Assay to Detect Autoantibody Against the N-Methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA) Receptor in Blood
Published on: January 9, 2018
Pregnancy outcome in anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis
Joseph Magley1, Dena Towner, Véronique Taché
1From the Departments of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Family Medicine, and Neurology and the Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, University of California, Davis Medical Center, and the VA Northern California Health Care System, Sacramento, California.
Background:
Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor encephalitis is an autoimmune disorder resulting in neurologic and psychiatric symptoms. Treatment is challenging in pregnancy, because little data exist to guide management.
Case:
A 24-year-old woman with a known diagnosis of anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis using intravenous immunoglobulin therapy became pregnant. Her pregnancy was uncomplicated with no relapses. She delivered at 35 4/7 weeks of gestation after having preterm premature rupture of membranes. She had a relapse of symptoms after delivery.
Conclusion:
This patient with anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis had an uneventful pregnancy with overall good outcome; however, she experienced relapse soon after delivery. This disease may mimic other autoimmune diseases, with improvement during pregnancy and risk for relapse postpartum.
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