[An Update on Therapeutic Management in Autoimmune Encephalitis]

In the last 15 years, the continual discovery of newly identified forms of autoimmune encephalitis (AE) associated with antibodies to the cell surface or synaptic proteins has changed the paradigms for diagnosing and treating disorders. AE is one of the most common causes of noninfectious encephalitis. It can be triggered by tumors or, infections, or it may be cryptogenic. These disorders can occur in children or young adults with or without cancer who develop psychosis, catatonic or autistic features, memory problems, abnormal movements, or seizures. Here, we review the therapeutic management of AE. The importance of early recognition and diagnosis of AE is paramount to the ultimate goal of optimal immunotherapy. Although no specific data are available for all autoantibody-mediated encephalitis syndromes, the two most common forms of AE, which are NMDA receptor encephalitis and LGI-1 encephalitis, are clear exemplars where improved patient outcomes are associated with early immunotherapy. First-line treatments for AE include intravenous steroids and intravenous immunoglobulins, which can be combined in most severe cases. Rituximab and cyclophosphamide are administered as second-line agents in unresponsive cases. A minority of patients may remain refractory to treatment, thus representing a major clinical challenge. In these cases, the treatment strategies are controversial, and no guidelines exist. Treatments proposed for refractory AE include (1) cytokine-based drugs such as tocilizumab, and (2) plasma cell-depleting agents such as bortezomib.