Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis: early treatment is beneficial

Pediatr Neurol. 2010 Mar;42(3):213-4. doi: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2009.10.003.

Abstract

Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antibody has been associated with a severe stereotypic form of subacute encephalitis, often found in women with ovarian teratoma. Reported here is the diagnosis of anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis in a 5-year-old girl who presented with subacute encephalopathy and movement disorder without evidence of malignancy. Early diagnosis and treatment with immune globulin and steroids resulted in near-complete recovery.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic / immunology*
  • Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic / metabolism*
  • Autoimmune Diseases of the Nervous System* / drug therapy
  • Autoimmune Diseases of the Nervous System* / immunology
  • Autoimmune Diseases of the Nervous System* / metabolism
  • Child, Preschool
  • Encephalitis* / drug therapy
  • Encephalitis* / immunology
  • Encephalitis* / metabolism
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Methylprednisolone / therapeutic use*
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / immunology*
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / metabolism*

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate
  • Methylprednisolone