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Scorrano G, Dono F, Corniello C, Consoli S, Evangelista G, Di Ludovico A, Chiarelli F, Anzellotti F, Di Iorio A, Sensi SL. Perinatal outcome in anti-NMDAr encephalitis during pregnancy-a systematic review with individual patients' data analysis. Neurol Sci 2024; 45:4211-4227. [PMID: 38656594 PMCID: PMC11306544 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-024-07448-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAr) antibody encephalitis is an autoimmune disorder characterized by synaptic NMDAr current disruption and receptor hypofunction, often affecting women during pregnancy. Clinical manifestations associated with anti-NMDAr encephalitis can occur both in the mother and fetus. METHODS We generated a systematic search of the literature to identify epidemiological, clinical, and serological data related to pregnant women with anti-NMDAr encephalitis and their children, analyzing the fetal outcomes. We examined the age and neurologic symptoms of the mothers, the presence of an underlying tumor, immunotherapies used during pregnancy, duration of the pregnancy, and type of delivery. RESULTS Data from 41 patients were extrapolated from the included studies. Spontaneous interruption of pregnancy, premature birth, and cesarean section were reported in pregnant women with NMDAr encephalitis. Several fetal and neonatal symptoms (e.g., movement disorders, spina bifida, poor sucking, respiratory distress, cardiac arrhythmias, infections, icterus, hypoglycemia, and low birth weight) depending on the mother's serum anti-NR1 concentration were also reported. CONCLUSIONS We characterized the outcomes of children born from mothers with anti-NMDAr encephalitis, analyzing the pivotal risk factors related to pregnancy and maternal disorder. Neuropsychiatric involvement seems strictly related to pathogenic NMDAr antibodies detected in maternal and/or neonatal serum. These findings clarify a complex condition to manage, outlining the risks associated with pregnant women with anti-NMDAr encephalitis and also providing a concrete guide for therapeutic strategies to prevent potential harm to the fetus and the child's neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Scorrano
- Department of Pediatrics, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Institute of Neurology, Epilepsy Center, "SS Annunziata" Hospital of Chieti, Chieti, Italy
| | - Fedele Dono
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Science, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.
- Institute of Neurology, Epilepsy Center, "SS Annunziata" Hospital of Chieti, Chieti, Italy.
| | - Clarissa Corniello
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Science, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Institute of Neurology, Epilepsy Center, "SS Annunziata" Hospital of Chieti, Chieti, Italy
| | - Stefano Consoli
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Science, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Institute of Neurology, Epilepsy Center, "SS Annunziata" Hospital of Chieti, Chieti, Italy
| | - Giacomo Evangelista
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Science, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Institute of Neurology, Epilepsy Center, "SS Annunziata" Hospital of Chieti, Chieti, Italy
| | - Armando Di Ludovico
- Department of Pediatrics, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Francesco Chiarelli
- Department of Pediatrics, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Francesca Anzellotti
- Institute of Neurology, Epilepsy Center, "SS Annunziata" Hospital of Chieti, Chieti, Italy
| | - Angelo Di Iorio
- Department of Aging Science, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Stefano L Sensi
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Science, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.
- Institute of Neurology, Epilepsy Center, "SS Annunziata" Hospital of Chieti, Chieti, Italy.
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Potorac A, Varlas VN, Borș RG, Baroș A, Cirstoiu M. The Management and Diagnosis of Anti-NMDA Receptor Autoimmune Encephalitis in Pregnant Women: A Case Report and Literature Review. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:2110. [PMID: 38138213 PMCID: PMC10744478 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59122110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Rationale: Anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis is a form of autoimmune synaptic encephalitis, often mediated by neuronal surface antibodies. Clinically, it manifests through a diverse range of neurological and psychiatric symptoms, primarily affecting young women with ovarian teratoma, which is rare in pregnant women. Patient concerns: We report a case of a 35-year-old multiparous pregnant patient at 38 weeks of gestation presented to the emergency room with seizure, psychiatric symptoms like delirious speech with mystical visual and auditory hallucinations, bradylalia, and retrograde amnesia. Diagnosis: The diagnosis of autoimmune encephalitis with anti-NMDA antibodies was concluded by considering the lumbar puncture results, brain imaging, and the patient's persistent symptoms. Outcomes: This case is noteworthy for its rarity and the symptoms' breadth. At 38 weeks of gestation, the patient underwent a cesarean section, resulting in excellent maternal recovery observed during the 6-month follow-up and good neonatal adaptation. Lessons: Our goals include raising awareness about this condition and emphasizing the significance of early diagnosis. This encephalitis is treatable and potentially reversible, underscoring the importance of prompt identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Potorac
- Doctoral School, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (A.P.); (R.G.B.)
| | - Valentin Nicolae Varlas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (A.B.); (M.C.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Filantropia Clinical Hospital, 011132 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Roxana Georgiana Borș
- Doctoral School, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (A.P.); (R.G.B.)
| | - Alexandru Baroș
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (A.B.); (M.C.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Emergency Hospital, 050098 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Monica Cirstoiu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (A.B.); (M.C.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Emergency Hospital, 050098 Bucharest, Romania
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Cortese R, Mariotto S, Mancinelli CR, Tortorella C. Pregnancy and antibody-mediated CNS disorders: What do we know and what should we know? Front Neurol 2022; 13:1048502. [PMID: 36601293 PMCID: PMC9806181 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.1048502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibody-mediated central nervous system (CNS) disorders including those associated with aquaporin-4 or myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein IgG and autoimmune encephalitis often affect women of childbearing age. Pathogenic antibodies of these diseases can potentially alter reproductive functions and influence fetal development. Hormonal changes occurring during pregnancy may modify the course of autoimmune diseases by influencing relapse risk, attack severity, and affect the delivery and postpartum period. Moreover, balancing treatment related safety issues with the risk of potentially disabling relapses during pregnancy and breastfeeding are major challenges. Intentional prenatal, gestational, and post-partum counseling is paramount to address these issues and mitigate these risks. Fortunately, new insights on risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes and possible preventive strategies are emerging. This review aims to summarize the interplay between antibody-mediated CNS disorders and pregnancy during the prenatal, gestational, and postpartum periods, highlight current treatment recommendations, and discuss future areas of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Cortese
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy,*Correspondence: Rosa Cortese
| | - Sara Mariotto
- Neurology Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Carla Tortorella
- Department of Neurosciences, S. Camillo-Forlanini Hospital, Rome, Italy
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