Clinical outcome in an infant with anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis: case report and literature review

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Immunology
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis is a significant autoimmune neurological disorder.
• Pediatric cases are common, yet literature on infants remains limited.
• The condition often manifests with diverse neurological and neuropsychiatric symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of anti-NMDAR encephalitis in an 8-month-old infant.
• To highlight the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of this condition in early childhood.
• To contribute to the understanding of outcomes and treatment efficacy in infants with anti-NMDAR encephalitis.

Main Methods:

• Case report of an 8-month-old female infant presenting with fever, vomiting, and seizures.
• Diagnostic workup included clinical assessment, neuroimaging, and serum analysis for anti-NMDAR antibodies.
• Treatment involved standard first-line therapies for autoimmune encephalitis.

Main Results:

• The infant presented with severe neurological symptoms including orolingual-facial dyskinesias, choreodystonic movements, and hemiparesis.
• Diagnosis was confirmed by the presence of anti-NMDAR antibodies.
• The patient achieved full recovery after initial treatment, contrasting with generally poor outcomes reported in infants.

Conclusions:

• Early and appropriate treatment is crucial for achieving rapid improvement and favorable outcomes in infants with anti-NMDAR encephalitis.
• This case underscores the potential for complete recovery in infants with timely intervention.
• Further research is needed to optimize management strategies for pediatric autoimmune encephalitis.