[Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis: two paediatric cases]
M Cristina González-Toro1, Rocío Jadraque-Rodríguez, Ángela Sempere-Pérez
1Hospital General Universitario de Alicante, 03010 San Vicente del Raspeig, Espana.
Revista De Neurologia
|November 23, 2013
Summary
Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis is a treatable autoimmune disorder in children. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for improved outcomes and reduced relapse risk.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Immunology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antibody encephalitis is an increasingly recognized autoimmune neurological disorder in children.
- This condition presents with diverse neurological and psychiatric symptoms, posing diagnostic challenges.
Observation:
- Two pediatric cases are presented with similar clinical presentations.
- Case 1: A 5-year-old girl with seizures, altered consciousness, movement disorders, and autistic regression.
- Case 2: A 13-year-old girl with hemiparesis, abnormal movements, conduct disorder, and dysautonomia.
Findings:
- Both patients tested positive for anti-NMDA receptor antibodies in cerebrospinal fluid.
- Treatment involved corticosteroids, immunoglobulins, and rituximab in one case.
- Both patients showed favorable outcomes, with residual language disorder in one and a resolved relapse in the other.
Implications:
- Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis is a treatable condition.
- Early diagnosis and prompt treatment significantly improve patient prognosis.
- Timely intervention can reduce the likelihood of disease relapses.
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