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Jaka S, Singh S, Vashist S, Pokhrel S, Saldana E, Sejdiu A, Taneja S, Arisoyin A, Mogallapu R, Gunturu S, Bachu A, Patel RS. Pediatric anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis: Exploring psychosis, related risk factors, and hospital outcomes in a nationwide inpatient sample: A cross-sectional study. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0296870. [PMID: 38349905 PMCID: PMC10863852 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Our study aims to examine the risk factors for comorbid psychosis in pediatric patients hospitalized for anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis and its impact on hospital outcomes. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study using the nationwide inpatient sample (NIS 2018-2019). We included 3,405 pediatric inpatients (age 6-17 years) with a primary discharge diagnosis of anti-NMDAR encephalitis. We used binomial logistic regression model to evaluate the odds ratio (OR) of variables (demographic and comorbidities) associated with comorbid psychosis. RESULTS The prevalence of comorbid psychosis in anti-NMDAR encephalitis inpatients was 5.3%, and majorly constituted of adolescents (72.2%) and females (58.3%). In terms of race, Blacks (OR 2.41), and Hispanics (OR 1.80) had a higher risk of comorbid psychosis compared to Whites. Among comorbidities, encephalitis inpatients with depressive disorders (OR 4.60), sleep-wake disorders (OR 3.16), anxiety disorders (OR 2.11), neurodevelopmental disorders (OR 1.95), and disruptive behavior disorders (OR 2.15) had a higher risk of comorbid psychosis. Anti-NMDAR encephalitis inpatients with comorbid psychosis had a longer median length of stay at 24.6 days (vs. 9.8 days) and higher median charges at $262,796 (vs. $135,323) compared to those without psychotic presentation. CONCLUSION Adolescents, females, and Blacks with encephalitis have a higher risk of psychotic presentation leading to hospitalization for anti-NMDAR encephalitis. Identification of demographic predictors and comorbidities can aid in early recognition and intervention to optimize care and potentially reduce the healthcare burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanobar Jaka
- Department of Population Health, Section on Tobacco, Alcohol and Drug Use, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Sukhnoor Singh
- Department of Psychiatry, Sri Guru Ram Das Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Amritsar, Punjab, India
| | - Sreshatha Vashist
- Department of Psychiatry, N.C. Medical College and Hospital, Panipat, Haryana, India
| | - Sandesh Pokhrel
- Department of Psychiatry, Nepal Medical College, MBBS, Attarkhel, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Ericka Saldana
- Department of Psychiatry, Salvadoran University Alberto Masferrer, San Salvador CP, El Salvador
| | - Albulena Sejdiu
- Department of Psychiatry, St. Chyril and Methodius St Chyril and Methodius, Skopje, North Macedonia
| | - Sanjana Taneja
- Department of Psychiatry, Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi, India
| | - Abimbola Arisoyin
- Department of Psychiatry College of Medicine, Psychiatry Department Idiaraba, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Raja Mogallapu
- Department of Psychiatry, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Martinsburg, WV, United States of America
| | - Sasidhar Gunturu
- Department of Psychiatry, Bronxcare Health System, Bronx, NY, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Anil Bachu
- Department of Psychiatry, Baptist Health System—University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States of America
| | - Rikinkumar S. Patel
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States of America
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Calaprice-Whitty D, Tang A, Tona J. Factors Associated with Symptom Persistence in PANS: Part II-Presenting Features, Medical Comorbidities, and IVIG Treatment History. J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol 2023; 33:365-377. [PMID: 37902971 DOI: 10.1089/cap.2023.0023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2023]
Abstract
Objective: Individuals with Pediatric Acute Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) experience neuropsychiatric symptoms following an infection or other trigger. Although PANS is typically described as relapsing-remitting, a large community-based 2017 study revealed a range of courses. The present study examined clinical predictors of symptom persistence, measured as % days symptom-free, in this same sample. Methods: A 146-question online survey gathered histories (infections and other triggers, medical and developmental comorbidities), symptomatology, interventions, and outcomes (including school functioning) of PANS patients. Multivariate analyses were applied to examine associations between these variables and % days symptom-free across the disease course. Results: Among the 646 subjects included, significant relationships were found between greater symptom persistence and higher rates of medical comorbidities (especially rashes, headaches, chronic sinusitis, frequent diarrhea, and immune deficiencies), developmental diagnoses, and respondent-perceived developmental lags. Subjects with greater symptom persistence were significantly more likely to report PANS exacerbations associated with infections in close contacts, vaccinations, environmental triggers, and exacerbations of comorbidities and were more likely to report PANS recurrences triggered by Epstein Barr Virus, mycoplasma, and sinus infections. More persistent PANS was also associated with significantly higher frequencies of certain symptoms (sleep disturbance, urinary incontinence, muscle pain, brain fog, sensory defensiveness, irritability, and aggression-related symptoms), less effectiveness of intravenous immunoglobulin in combating symptoms, and more difficulty attending school. Conclusions: Our results suggest high symptom persistence in PANS to be associated with more pervasive medical and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Differences in symptom persistence are associated with both intrinsic (e.g., immune competence) and extrinsic (e.g., infections, treatment) factors. Because extrinsic factors are potentially modifiable, it is critical that providers be aware of current guidelines on PANS evaluation and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Calaprice-Whitty
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA
- Brain Inflammation Collaborative, Delafield, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Angela Tang
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Janice Tona
- Department of Rehabilitation Science, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
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Hansen N. Psychiatric Symptoms in Acute and Persisting Forms of COVID-19 Associated with Neural Autoantibodies. Antibodies (Basel) 2023; 12:49. [PMID: 37606433 PMCID: PMC10443296 DOI: 10.3390/antib12030049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: In this narrative review, we focus on neural autoantibodies in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as a consequence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 infection and persisting symptoms of post-COVID-19 syndrome with a psychiatric presentation. (2) Methods: Our methods include using the PubMed database to search for appropriate articles. (3) Results: We first describe the phenomenon of the psychiatric manifestation of COVID-19 in acute and persistent forms, associated with neural autoantibodies, often attributable to encephalopathy or encephalitis. We discuss the spectrum of neural autoantibodies in neuropsychiatric patients affected by COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 syndrome. Evidence from our research suggests that it is highly likely that neural autoantibody production is facilitated by SARS-CoV-2 infection, and that more neuropsychiatric patients than control subjects will present neural autoantibodies. (4) Conclusions: These observations support the hypothesis that acute and persisting forms of COVID-19 promote autoimmune diseases. Our patients therefore require comprehensive evaluation to avoid overlooking such autoantibody-associated psychiatric disorders associated with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels Hansen
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Von-Siebold-Str. 5, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
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Hansen N, Teegen B, Hirschel S, Wiltfang J, Schott BH, Bartels C, Bouter C. Case report: Mixed dementia associated with autoantibodies targeting the vesicular glutamate transporter 2. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1227824. [PMID: 37502813 PMCID: PMC10368954 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1227824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Autoantibodies against the vesicular glutamate transporter type 2 (VGlut2) can trigger impaired synaptic signaling and are described here for the first time in association with mixed dementia. Methods We report on a 71-year-old female patient with a dementing syndrome who underwent a thorough dementia diagnosis including neuropsychological testing, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), 18F-fluorodesoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET), and a spinal tap to search for neural autoantibodies. Results Our patient exhibited mixed dementia. Her CSF revealed elevated ptau 181 protein and a reduced Aß42/40 ratio indicating Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology. In addition, neuropsychological testing showed a profile consistent with AD with impaired memory, reduced semantic word fluency, naming disorder, and impaired visuoconstructive skills. Nevertheless, in-depth neuropsychological testing also revealed marked psychomotor slowing and visuospatial perceptual impairments that are more indicative of the presence of DLB. Overall, her dementia is more likely of mixed pathology. In addition, we repeatedly detected VGlut2 autoantibodies in her serum. Conclusion To the best of our knowledge, this report is the first to describe mixed dementia associated with VGlut2 autoantibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels Hansen
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Bianca Teegen
- Clinical Immunological Laboratory Prof. Stöcker, Groß Grönau, Germany
| | - Sina Hirschel
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jens Wiltfang
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Göttingen, Germany
- Neurosciences and Signaling Group, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Björn H. Schott
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Göttingen, Germany
- Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Claudia Bartels
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Caroline Bouter
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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Amerio A, Escelsior A, Martino E, Strangio A, Aguglia A, Marcatili M, Conio B, Sukkar SG, Saverino D. The Association between Blood SIRT1 and Ghrelin, Leptin, and Antibody Anti-Hypothalamus: A Comparison in Normal Weight and Anorexia Nervosa. J Pers Med 2023; 13:928. [PMID: 37373917 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13060928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) is a sensor of cell energy availability, regulating metabolic homeostasis as well as leptin and ghrelin, and it could be considered as a potential plasmatic marker. The aim of this study was to assess whether circulating SIRT1 varies consistently with leptin, ghrelin, body mass index (BMI), and IgG reactive to hypothalamic antigens in anorexia nervosa (AN). Fifty-four subjects were evaluated: 32 with AN and 22 normal-weight control subjects. Serum levels of SIRT1, leptin, ghrelin, and IgG reactive to hypothalamic antigens were evaluated by ELISA. Results showed that serum SIRT1 is increased in patients with AN, and the amount is decreased in relation to the duration of the illness. SIRT1 concentration approaches the values obtained for the control group, although the difference is still statistically significant. A negative correlation between serum SIRT1 values and leptin or BMI values has been found. On the contrary, a positive correlation between SIRT1 and ghrelin or IgG specific for hypothalamic antigens is reported. These findings suggest that a peripheral evaluation of SIRT1 could be a possible clinical/biochemical parameter related to AN. In addition, we can assume that SIRT1 is related to autoantibody production and may correlate with the intensity/severity of AN. Thus, reducing the production of autoantibodies specific for hypothalamic cells could be a sign of improvement of the clinical condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Amerio
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Andrea Escelsior
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Eleonora Martino
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Unit, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Antonella Strangio
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DiMeS), Section of Human Anatomy, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Andrea Aguglia
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Matteo Marcatili
- Department of Mental Health, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | | | - Samir Giuseppe Sukkar
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Unit, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Daniele Saverino
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DiMeS), Section of Human Anatomy, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
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Hansen N, Rentzsch K, Hirschel S, Bartels C, Wiltfang J, Malchow B. Long-Term Course of Neural Autoantibody-Associated Psychiatric Disorders: Retrospective Data from a Specifically Immunopsychiatric Outpatient Clinic. Antibodies (Basel) 2023; 12:antib12020034. [PMID: 37218900 DOI: 10.3390/antib12020034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Autoantibody-associated psychiatric disorders are a new terrain that is currently underrepresented considering immunopsychiatry's potential importance for therapeutic aspects. The aim of our research was thus to present initial pilot data on the long-term clinical course of our patients in an outpatient clinic specializing in autoantibody-associated psychiatric disorders. Methods: Thirty-seven patients were examined clinically in our outpatient clinic at regular intervals over a 1.5-year period. We collected clinical data on their demographics, psychopathology, and cognition, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) data as well as the status of neural autoantibodies in blood and/or serum. Results: Our main finding was that affective, psychotic, and cognitive symptoms did not change significantly over the 1.5-year period, thus revealing no progression. We divided the entire cohort of autoantibody-positive patients (n = 32) into subgroups consisting of patients with dementia (n = 14), mild cognitive impairment (MCI) (n = 7), psychotic disorders (n = 6), and a CSF profile of Alzheimer's disease (n = 6). Relying on established classification schemes, we identified the following percentages in our autoantibody-positive cohort: 28% with autoimmune encephalitis, 15% with autoimmune psychosis, and 63% with autoimmune psychiatric syndromes. Discussion: These initial pilot results suggest that autoantibody-associated diseases do not show a significantly progressive course in the long-term and are often characterized by impaired verbal memory recall when cognitive impairment progresses to dementia. These initial data need to be verified in larger cohorts. We believe that this pilot study underscores the importance of promoting such a specialized outpatient clinic to better characterize various aspects of autoantibody-mediated psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels Hansen
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Sina Hirschel
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Claudia Bartels
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jens Wiltfang
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Neurosciences and Signaling Group, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Berend Malchow
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
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Amerio A, Escelsior A, Martino E, Strangio A, Giacomini C, Montagna E, Aguglia A, Bellomo M, Sukkar SG, Saverino D. Dysfunction of Inflammatory Pathways and Their Relationship with Anti-Hypothalamic Autoantibodies in Patients with Anorexia Nervosa. Nutrients 2023; 15:2199. [PMCID: PMC10180712 DOI: 10.3390/nu15092199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Despite several attempts, the etiopathogenesis of anorexia nervosa (AN) is still unknown. However, the activation of the immune response in neuropsychiatric diseases, including AN, is increasingly evident. We aimed to explore immune response parameters in patients with AN and identify the link between the presence of specific autoantibodies for hypothalamic antigens and the inflammatory response. The relationship between inflammatory markers and the duration of the disease has been also investigated. Methods: Twenty-two patients with AN were included, and none were under psychopharmacological treatment or suffering from autoimmune conditions. Serum concentrations of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, and IL-21 were determined by ELISA kits. In addition, autoantibodies against hypothalamic antigens are quantitatively evaluated. Results: IL-6, IL-1 β, TNF-α, and TGF-β are significantly increased in patients with AN. A positive correlation with body mass index and with the amount of autoantibody specific for hypothalamic antigens exists. Notably, a progressive reduction of cytokines correlates with the progression of AN. In addition, IL-21 is increased in the blood of patients with AN and negatively correlates with autoantibody concentrations. Conclusions: This study shows that the increased pro-inflammatory phenotype in patients affected by AN correlates with the concentration of autoantibody specific for hypothalamic antigens. Of interest, the pro-inflammatory state seems to be reduced with duration of AN. In addition, IL-21 could work as a stimulant of the immune response, thus possibly increasing the autoreactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Amerio
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, 16126 Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Andrea Escelsior
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, 16126 Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Eleonora Martino
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Unit, Genoa University, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Antonella Strangio
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DiMeS), Section of Human Anatomy, University of Genoa, 16126 Genoa, Italy
| | - Costanza Giacomini
- Department of Mental Health and Pathological Addictions, Genoa Local Health Authority ASL4, 16043 Chiavari, Italy
| | - Elisa Montagna
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, 16126 Genoa, Italy
| | - Andrea Aguglia
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, 16126 Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Marina Bellomo
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Samir Giuseppe Sukkar
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Unit, Genoa University, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Daniele Saverino
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DiMeS), Section of Human Anatomy, University of Genoa, 16126 Genoa, Italy
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Hansen N, Radenbach K, Rentzsch K, Fox J, Wiltfang J, Bartels C. Cerebrospinal Fluid Homer-3 Autoantibodies in a Patient with Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13010125. [PMID: 36672107 PMCID: PMC9856294 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13010125] [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: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Homer-3 antibodies are associated with cerebellar disease ranging from subacute degeneration to cerebellitis. However, cognitive impairment associated with Homer-3 autoantibodies has not been reported until now. (2) Methods: in retrospect, we systematically studied clinical, cranial magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI), electroencephalography (EEG) and lumbar puncture data, including neural autoantibodies of a clinical case. (3) Results: we describe the case of a 56-year-old woman presenting with amnestic mild cognitive impairment in association with serum and CSF detection of Homer-3 autoantibodies and a depressive syndrome. cMRI revealed cerebellar atrophy. CSF analysis showed elevated ptau181 protein. Applying the criteria for an autoimmune psychiatric syndrome revealed a plausible autoimmune basis for the mild cognitive impairment. (4) Discussions: our case report demonstrates an amnestic mild cognitive impairment and depressive symptoms associated with Homer-3 autoantibodies as a novel feature of Homer-3 antibody-related disease. We also propose that cognitive dysfunction might result from impaired AMPAR signaling in the hippocampus induced by Homer-3 antibodies, which will have to be verified in further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels Hansen
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Goettingen, Von-Siebold-Str. 5, 37075 Goettingen, Germany
- Translational Psychoneuroscience, University Medical Center Goettingen, Von-Siebold-Str. 5, 37075 Goettingen, Germany
- Correspondence:
| | - Katrin Radenbach
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Goettingen, Von-Siebold-Str. 5, 37075 Goettingen, Germany
| | - Kristin Rentzsch
- Clinical Immunological Laboratory Prof. Stöcker, 23627 Groß Grönau, Germany
| | - Janosch Fox
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Goettingen, Von-Siebold-Str. 5, 37075 Goettingen, Germany
| | - Jens Wiltfang
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Goettingen, Von-Siebold-Str. 5, 37075 Goettingen, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Von-Siebold-Str. 3a, 37075 Goettingen, Germany
- Neurosciences and Signaling Group, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Claudia Bartels
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Goettingen, Von-Siebold-Str. 5, 37075 Goettingen, Germany
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Hansen N, Neyazi A, Lüdecke D, Hasan A, Wiltfang J, Malchow B. Repositioning synthetic glucocorticoids in psychiatric disease associated with neural autoantibodies: a narrative review. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2022:10.1007/s00702-022-02578-2. [PMID: 36576564 PMCID: PMC10374711 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-022-02578-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic glucocorticoids (sGCs) are a well-investigated and standard drug therapy for disorders associated with CNS inflammation. Less is known about treating psychiatric disorders associated with neural autoantibodies. Our aim is to elucidate the repositioning of sGCs in psychiatric diseases that co-exist with neural autoantibodies. We used PubMed to identify articles for this narrative review. To our knowledge, no randomized, placebo-controlled trials have yet been conducted on applying sGC to treat neural autoantibody-associated psychiatric disorders. We describe initial results of cohort studies and single cases or case series often associated with autoantibodies against membrane-surface antigens demonstrating a largely beneficial response to sGCs either as monotherapy or polytherapy together with other immunosuppressive agents. However, sGCs may be less efficient in patients with psychiatric diseases associated with autoantibodies directed against intracellular antigens. These results reveal potential benefits of the novel usage of sGCs for the indication of neural autoantibody-associated psychiatric disease. Further large-scale randomized, placebo-controlled trials are needed to discover whether sGCs are safe, well tolerated, and beneficial in subgroups of neural autoantibody-associated psychiatric diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels Hansen
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Von-Siebold-Str. 5, 37075, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Alexandra Neyazi
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Otto-Von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Lüdecke
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Alkomiet Hasan
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Medical Faculty, University of Augsburg, 86156, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Jens Wiltfang
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Von-Siebold-Str. 5, 37075, Göttingen, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Von-Siebold-Str. 3a, 37075, Goettingen, Germany.,Neurosciences and Signaling Group, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Berend Malchow
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Von-Siebold-Str. 5, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
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Philosophical Approach to Neural Autoantibodies in Psychiatric Disease-Multi-Systemic Dynamic Continuum from Protective to Harmful Autoimmunity in Neuronal Systems. Antibodies (Basel) 2022; 12:antib12010001. [PMID: 36648885 PMCID: PMC9844366 DOI: 10.3390/antib12010001] [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: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: philosophical views are important to enable a general and multi-systemic view of the potential understanding of autoimmunity in psychiatric disease that is not solely reflected by an immunological viewpoint. (2) Methods: we reviewed current theories of autoimmunity. (3) Results: we propose a novel area view integrating the "self/non-self" and "continuity" model into the expression of varied forms of autoimmunity in psychiatric disease, ranging from protective to harmful autoimmunity consequences framed into micro-systems (nerve cells) and macro-systems (neuronal networks), termed the "multi-systemic dynamic continuum model". (4) Conclusions: autoimmunity's dynamic spectrum is delineated here as something that probably functions as a whole entity to maintain, first of all, human homeostasis in behavior affecting cells or neuronal networks differently, and secondly to prevent psychiatric disease.
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Hansen N, Hirschel S, Teegen B, Wiltfang J, Malchow B. Preserved visuoconstruction in patients with Alzheimer's pathology and anti-neural autoantibodies: A case control study. FRONTIERS IN DEMENTIA 2022; 1:975851. [PMID: 39081477 PMCID: PMC11285684 DOI: 10.3389/frdem.2022.975851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Background Alzheimer's disease (AD) is seldom reported to be associated with neural autoantibodies apart from those involved in axonal neurodegeneration and amyloidopathy in prior studies. Nevertheless, this is an under-investigated aspect of AD. As we do not know whether additional screening for autoantibodies in AD patients has additional diagnostic and therapeutic value, this study aims to shed light on whether visuoconstructive or figural memory capacities might distinguish these patient populations. Methods In this pilot case series, we investigated eight patients suffering from cognitive impairment associated with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-based Alzheimer pathology (AP) and with verified anti-neural autoantibodies (AP Aab+) compared to eight AD patients presenting no autoantibodies (Aab-) (AD Aab-). Patients files were reviewed retrospectively regarding their neuropsychological profile assessed via the CERAD (Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease) test battery and psychopathology measured by the AMDP (Manual for the Assessment and Documentation of Psychopathology in Psychiatry) system. We also relied on diagnostic parameters as in the CSF and magnetic resonance images. Results All patients shared the same pattern of dysfunctional word-list learning and word-list recall resembling a hippocampus-dependent memory dysfunction. Furthermore, both patient groups revealed a CSF profile concurring with Alzheimer's disease. However, visuoconstructive capacity, but not figure recall was preserved in AP Aab+ patients, but not in AD Ab-patients with the shared hippocampus-based memory dysfunction. We observed no relevant differences between the AP Aab+ and AD Aab- groups in CSF cell-counts or intrathecal IgG synthesis. The relative frequency of hippocampal and focal atrophy did not differ either between AP Aab+ and AD Aab- groups. Discussion Our pilot findings are encouraging us to conduct large-scale studies to replicate our discovery of preserved visuoconstruction in AP Aab+ patients with hippocampus-based memory dysfunction. The role of anti-neural autoantibodies is still not fully understood. The detection of these autoantibodies might imply another disease pathology that could be either neuroprotective or be affecting other brain regions, i.e., less pronounced disease activity in the right temporo-parietal regions mainly involved in visuoconstruction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels Hansen
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Translational Psychoneuroscience, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Sina Hirschel
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Bianca Teegen
- Clinical Immunological Laboratory Prof. Stöcker, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Jens Wiltfang
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Göttingen, Germany
- Neurosciences and Signaling Group, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Berend Malchow
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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12
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Juhl AL, Grenzer IM, Teegen B, Wiltfang J, Fitzner D, Hansen N. Biomarkers of neurodegeneration in neural autoantibody-associated psychiatric syndromes: A retrospective cohort study. J Transl Autoimmun 2022; 5:100169. [PMID: 36238527 PMCID: PMC9550648 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtauto.2022.100169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Autoantibody-associated psychiatric syndromes are a novel disease entity that is not fully understood. Several lines of evidence suggest that neurodegenerative processes are involved here. We are investigating whether autoantibody-positive psychiatric syndromes differ from those that are autoantibody-negative in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) neurodegeneration markers. Methods We retrospectively analyzed data from 167 psychiatric patients at the University Medical Center Göttingen from 2017 to 2020. We divided this patient cohort into two, namely antibody-positive and antibody-negative. We compared various clinical features, neurodegeneration markers, and their autoantibody status in CSF and serum. We then compared both cohorts' neurodegeneration markers to a representative Alzheimer cohort. We subdivided the patients into their diverse psychiatric syndromes according to the manual to assess and document psychopathology in psychiatry (the AMDP), and compared the neurodegeneration markers. Results Antibody-associated psychiatric syndromes do not appear to reveal significantly greater neurodegeneration than their antibody-negative psychiatric syndromes. 71% of antibody-positive patients fulfilled the criteria for a possible and 22% for a definitive autoimmune encephalitis. Our autoantibody-positive patient cohort's relative risk to develop an possible autoimmune encephalitis was 9%. We also noted that phosphorylated tau protein 181 (ptau 181) did not significantly differ between antibody-associated psychiatric syndromes and our Alzheimer cohort. The psycho-organic syndrome usually exhibits the most prominent neurodegeneration markers, both in antibody-positive and antibody-negative psychiatric patients. Discussion We did not find hints for neurodegenerative processes in our antibody-positive versus AD cohort considering total tau or amyloid markers. However, our findings indicate that the neurodegeneration marker ptau181 does not differ significantly between antibody-positive and Alzheimer cohorts, further suggesting axonal neurodegeneration in antibody-positive patients as AD patients have an elevated ptau181. The evidence we uncovered thus suggests that axonal neurodegeneration might affect patients suffering from autoantibody-associated psychiatric syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Levin Juhl
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Von-Siebold-Str. 5, 37075, Göttingen, Germany,Translational Psychoneuroscience, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Von-Siebold-Str. 5, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Insa Maria Grenzer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Von-Siebold-Str. 5, 37075, Göttingen, Germany,Translational Psychoneuroscience, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Von-Siebold-Str. 5, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Bianca Teegen
- Clinical Immunological Laboratory Prof. Stöcker, Groß Grönau, Germany
| | - Jens Wiltfang
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Von-Siebold-Str. 5, 37075, Göttingen, Germany,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Von-Siebold-Str. 3a, 37075, Göttingen, Germany,Neurosciences and Signaling Group, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Dirk Fitzner
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Robert-Koch Straße 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Niels Hansen
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Von-Siebold-Str. 5, 37075, Göttingen, Germany,Translational Psychoneuroscience, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Von-Siebold-Str. 5, 37075, Göttingen, Germany,Corresponding author. University Medical Center of Göttingen, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Translational Psychoneuroscience, Von-Siebold Str. 5, 37075, Göttingen.
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13
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Sirufo MM, Magnanimi LM, Ginaldi L, De Martinis M. Anorexia nervosa and autoimmune comorbidities: A bidirectional route? CNS Neurosci Ther 2022; 28:1921-1929. [PMID: 36114699 PMCID: PMC9627382 DOI: 10.1111/cns.13953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunological dysfunctions in eating disorders have recently gained increasing scientific attention. Furthermore, the reciprocal association between anorexia and autoimmune diseases is of particular interest and suggests a role of autoimmunity in the pathogenesis of eating disorders. Anorexia nervosa (AN) and autoimmune diseases are linked by a bidirectional relationship based on common immunopathological mechanisms. In this review, in addition to reporting the numerous cases described in which autoimmune disorders are associated with anorexia or vice versa, we summarize the many aspects of this relationship between the immune system (IS) and AN. We describe how the microbiota affects the IS, disrupts gut-brain communication, and possibly triggers eating disorders. We also describe the shared immunological pathways of autoimmune and eating disorders and in particular the occurrence of disrupted T cell tolerance and autoantibodies in AN. The described observations represent the starting point for possible, future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria M. Sirufo
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental SciencesUniversity of L'AquilaL'AquilaItaly,Allergy and Clinical Immunology UnitCenter for the Diagnosis and Treatment of OsteoporosisTeramoItaly
| | - Lina M. Magnanimi
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental SciencesUniversity of L'AquilaL'AquilaItaly
| | - Lia Ginaldi
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental SciencesUniversity of L'AquilaL'AquilaItaly,Allergy and Clinical Immunology UnitCenter for the Diagnosis and Treatment of OsteoporosisTeramoItaly
| | - Massimo De Martinis
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental SciencesUniversity of L'AquilaL'AquilaItaly,Allergy and Clinical Immunology UnitCenter for the Diagnosis and Treatment of OsteoporosisTeramoItaly
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Pacheco‐Barrios K, Navarro‐Flores A, de Melo PS, Rebello‐Sanchez I, Parente J, Asenjo ED, Gordillo I, Zeña‐Ñañez S, Failoc‐Rojas VE. Neuroleptic intolerance in the context of anti‐N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor encephalitis: A systematic review and synthesis of global case reports. Acta Neurol Scand 2022; 146:410-428. [DOI: 10.1111/ane.13693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Pacheco‐Barrios
- Unidad de Investigación para la Generación y Síntesis de Evidencias en Salud Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola Lima Peru
- Neuromodulation Center and Center for Clinical Research Learning Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School Boston Massachusetts USA
| | - Alba Navarro‐Flores
- International Max Planck Research School for Neurosciences Georg‐August‐University Göttingen Göttingen Germany
| | - Paulo S. de Melo
- Neuromodulation Center and Center for Clinical Research Learning Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School Boston Massachusetts USA
| | - Ingrid Rebello‐Sanchez
- Neuromodulation Center and Center for Clinical Research Learning Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School Boston Massachusetts USA
| | - Joao Parente
- Neuromodulation Center and Center for Clinical Research Learning Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School Boston Massachusetts USA
| | - Elenit Diaz Asenjo
- Servicio de Medicina Interna Hospital Regional Lambayeque Lambayeque Peru
| | - Ivan Gordillo
- Servicio de Medicina Interna Hospital Regional Lambayeque Lambayeque Peru
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15
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Endres D, von Zedtwitz K, Matteit I, Bünger I, Foverskov-Rasmussen H, Runge K, Feige B, Schlump A, Maier S, Nickel K, Berger B, Schiele MA, Cunningham JL, Domschke K, Prüss H, Tebartz van Elst L. Spectrum of Novel Anti-Central Nervous System Autoantibodies in the Cerebrospinal Fluid of 119 Patients With Schizophreniform and Affective Disorders. Biol Psychiatry 2022; 92:261-274. [PMID: 35606187 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2022.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autoimmune psychosis may be caused by well-characterized anti-neuronal autoantibodies, such as those against the NMDA receptor. However, the presence of additional anti-central nervous system (CNS) autoantibodies in these patients has not been systematically assessed. METHODS Serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from patients with schizophreniform and affective syndromes were analyzed for immunoglobulin G anti-CNS autoantibodies using tissue-based assays with indirect immunofluorescence on unfixed murine brain tissue as part of an extended routine clinical practice. After an initial assessment of patients with red flags for autoimmune psychosis (n = 30), tissue-based testing was extended to a routine procedure (n = 89). RESULTS Based on the findings from all 119 patients, anti-CNS immunoglobulin G autoantibodies against brain tissue were detected in 18% (n = 22) of patients (serum 9%, CSF 18%) following five principal patterns: 1) against vascular structures, most likely endothelial cells (serum 3%, CSF 8%); 2) against granule cells in the cerebellum and/or hippocampus (serum 4%, CSF 6%); 3) against myelinated fibers (serum 2%, CSF 2%); 4) against cerebellar Purkinje cells (serum 0%, CSF 2%); and 5) against astrocytes (serum 1%, CSF 1%). The patients with novel anti-CNS autoantibodies showed increased albumin quotients (p = .026) and white matter changes (p = .020) more frequently than those who tested negative for autoantibodies. CONCLUSIONS The study demonstrates five novel autoantibody-binding patterns on brain tissue of patients with schizophreniform and affective syndromes. CSF yielded positive findings more frequently than serum analysis. The frequency and spectrum of autoantibodies in these patient groups may be broader than previously thought.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique Endres
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Katharina von Zedtwitz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Isabelle Matteit
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Isabel Bünger
- Department of Neurology and Experimental Neurology, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Helle Foverskov-Rasmussen
- Department of Neurology and Experimental Neurology, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kimon Runge
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Bernd Feige
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Andrea Schlump
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Simon Maier
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Kathrin Nickel
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Benjamin Berger
- Clinic of Neurology and Neurophysiology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Miriam A Schiele
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Janet L Cunningham
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychiatry, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Katharina Domschke
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Center for Basics in Neuromodulation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Harald Prüss
- Department of Neurology and Experimental Neurology, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Ludger Tebartz van Elst
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
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16
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Hansen N, Malchow B, Teegen B, Wiltfang J, Bartels C. Case Report: Alzheimer's Dementia Associated With Cerebrospinal Fluid Neurochondrin Autoantibodies. Front Neurol 2022; 13:879009. [PMID: 35785337 PMCID: PMC9243764 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.879009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Neurochondrin autoimmunity is a rare disorder mainly associated with cerebellar and vestibular syndromes. Our report aims to enlarge its phenotypic spectrum to encompass major cognitive disorder with very late onset never before reported in conjunction with neurochondrin antibodies. Methods We describe the case of an 85-year-old woman who presented in our memory clinic. Retrospective analysis of patient records included cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and neuropsychological testing using the CERAD-plus. Results Because of her unknown onset of progressive cognitive dysfunction in conjunction with speech and language problems, we decided to take an extensive differential diagnostic approach including a search for neural autoantibodies potentially involved in cognitive impairment. Our patient presented serum and CSF neurochondrin autoantibodies. Further CSF analysis revealed elevated tau and ptau 181 protein as well as a reduced Aß42/40 ratio in CSF, thus matching a biomarker profile of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Neuropsychological tests revealed predominant and severe deficits in verbal and visual memory. Her MRI showed reduced parietal and cerebellar brain volume. Discussion Taken together, this case reveals the novelty of a patient with a CSF-based and typical clinical and imaging profile of AD. She is also likely to have neurochondrin autoimmunity, as we detected neurochondrin autoantibodies in her CSF; we therefore diagnosed AD dementia associated with neurochondrin antibodies. Our case expands the spectrum of neurochondrin autoimmunity to disorders involving major cognitive disorder such as AD dementia. Furthermore, we speculate that neurochondrin autoimmunity might have triggered an acceleration of AD symptoms as its onset was reported only after a short 6-month interval via a synergistic or negatively additive hybrid mechanism of action between neurodegeneration and autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels Hansen
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Goettingen, Göttingen, Germany
- *Correspondence: Niels Hansen
| | - Berend Malchow
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Goettingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Jens Wiltfang
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Goettingen, Göttingen, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Göttingen, Germany
- Department of Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Signaling Group, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Claudia Bartels
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Goettingen, Göttingen, Germany
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17
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Hermann P, Zerr I. Rapidly progressive dementias - aetiologies, diagnosis and management. Nat Rev Neurol 2022; 18:363-376. [PMID: 35508635 PMCID: PMC9067549 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-022-00659-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Rapidly progressive dementias (RPDs) are a group of heterogeneous disorders that include immune-mediated, infectious and metabolic encephalopathies, as well as prion diseases and atypically rapid presentations of more common neurodegenerative diseases. Some of these conditions are treatable, and some must be diagnosed promptly because of their potential infectivity. Prion disease is considered to be the prototypical RPD, but over the past two decades, epidemiological reports and the identification of various encephalitis-mediating antibodies have led to a growing recognition of other encephalopathies as potential causes of rapid cognitive decline. Knowledge of RPD aetiologies, syndromes and diagnostic work-up protocols will help clinicians to establish an early, accurate diagnosis, thereby reducing morbidity and mortality, especially in immune-mediated and other potentially reversible dementias. In this Review, we define the syndrome of RPD and shed light on its different aetiologies and on secondary factors that might contribute to rapid cognitive decline. We describe an extended diagnostic procedure in the context of important differential diagnoses, discuss the utility of biomarkers and summarize potential treatment options. In addition, we discuss treatment options such as high-dose steroid therapy in the context of therapy and diagnosis in clinically ambiguous cases. The term ‘rapidly progressive dementia’ (RPD) describes a cognitive disorder with fast progression, leading to dementia within a relatively short time. This Review discusses the wide range of RPD aetiologies, as well as the diagnostic approach and treatment options. Definitions of rapidly progressive dementia (RPD) vary according to the aetiological background and relate to the speed of cognitive decline, time from first symptom to dementia syndrome and/or overall survival. RPD can occur in rapidly progressive neurodegenerative diseases, such as prion diseases, or in primarily slowly progressive diseases as a consequence of intrinsic factors or concomitant pathologies. Besides neurodegenerative diseases, inflammatory (immune-mediated and infectious), vascular, metabolic and neoplastic CNS diseases are important and frequent causes of RPD. To identify treatable causes of RPD, the technical diagnostic work-up must include MRI and analyses of blood and cerebrospinal fluid, and further diagnostics might be indicated in unclear cases. Therapeutic options for many non-neurodegenerative causes of RPD are already available; disease-modifying therapies for neurodegenerative RPDs are an important focus of current research and could become a treatment option in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Hermann
- Department of Neurology, Clinical Dementia Center and National Reference Center for CJD Surveillance, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Inga Zerr
- Department of Neurology, Clinical Dementia Center and National Reference Center for CJD Surveillance, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany. .,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Göttingen, Germany.
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18
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Hansen N, Bartels C, Teegen B, Wiltfang J, Malchow B. Catatonic Schizophrenia Associated With Cerebrospinal GAD65 Autoantibodies: Case Report and Literature Review. Front Immunol 2022; 13:829058. [PMID: 35222413 PMCID: PMC8864160 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.829058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background GAD65 autoimmunity is reported to be associated with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. However, there has been no evidence that glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 (GAD65) autoantibodies in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are associated with akinetic catatonia in schizophrenia patients. Methods We report the case of a 28-year-old man who underwent diagnostics including brain MRI, neuropsychological testing, and electroencephalography (EEG) as well as a tumor search via CT of the abdomen and thorax, as well as colonoscopy and gastroscopy. For clinical characterization, his patient files were retrospectively examined. Results Our patient presented catatonia that responded somewhat to benzodiazepines in combination with previously taken antipsychotics such as risperidone for prediagnosed paranoid schizophrenia. Diagnostics revealed GAD65 autoantibodies in his serum and CSF. MRI revealed no brain lesion, and the tumor search had no malignancy. We diagnosed catatonic schizophrenia. Furthermore, as he had not fully recovered, he was given immunotherapy entailing two cycles of intravenous immunoglobulins. Subsequent neuropsychological testing due to subjective cognitive complaints after immunotherapy revealed no objective cognitive deficits. Conclusions We present the novel finding of an association between GAD65 autoantibodies in the serum and CSF with catatonia in a patient suffering from prediagnosed chronic schizophrenia. Due to the presence of CSF GAD65 antibodies and the catatonia factor in prediagnosed schizophrenia, we suspect that his catatonia has an autoimmune origin. Immunotherapy stabilized the catatonia that had initially responded to lorazepam treatment. Further research should be done to characterize patients' responses to immunotherapy and standard treatment in a large cohort of patients with GAD65 antibody-associated catatonia and schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels Hansen
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Claudia Bartels
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Jens Wiltfang
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Göttingen, Germany.,Neurosciences and Signaling Group, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Berend Malchow
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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19
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Hansen N, Juhl AL, Grenzer IM, Hirschel S, Teegen B, Fitzner D, Bartels C, Timäus C, Wiltfang J, Malchow B. Cerebrospinal Fluid Total Tau Protein Correlates With Longitudinal, Progressing Cognitive Dysfunction in Anti-Neural Autoantibody-Associated Dementia and Alzheimer's Dementia: A Case-Control Study. Front Immunol 2022; 13:837376. [PMID: 35309366 PMCID: PMC8927820 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.837376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Neural autoantibody-associated dementia (NABD) is an increasing phenomenon in memory clinics with a high impact on later therapy. Biomarkers are lacking that differentiate this type of dementia from neurodegenerative dementia such as Alzheimer’s dementia (AD). Our aim is to analyze neurodegeneration markers and their relationship to progressing cognitive dysfunction in NABD and AD to test for tools differentiating these two forms of dementia prior to neural autoantibody testing. Methods In our retrospective, observational study, we investigated 14 patients with dementia and serum and/or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) neural autoantibodies as well as 14 patients with AD by relying on recent CSF and clinical criteria for AD. Patient files were checked for psychopathology, neuropsychological test performance, autoimmune indicators, CSF, and MRI results. Results Our patient groups did not differ in their psychopathology, autoimmune indicators, or MRI profile. The progression of cognitive dysfunction [as measured by the difference in Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores since disease onset, and the yearly progression rate (MMSE loss/per year)] did not vary significantly between groups. Total tau protein was significantly higher in AD patients than NABD patients revealing no signs of Alzheimer’s disease pathology in their CSF (p < 0.05). Total tau protein levels in CSF correlated with cognitive decline since disease onset (r = 0.38, p < 0.05) and yearly progression rates (r = 0.56, p < 0.005) in all patients. Discussion Our results suggest that the progression of cognitive dysfunction as defined by MMSE does not seem to be an appropriate biomarker for distinguishing NABD from AD. However, the total tau protein level in CSF might be a relevant molecular biomarker that can indicate disease pathology and/or progression in both known AD and NABD, which is often accompanied by axonal degeneration. Total tau protein may be an additional diagnostic tool with which to differentiate anti-neural-associated dementia from AD if further research confirms these proof-of-concept findings in larger patient cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels Hansen
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Aaron Levin Juhl
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Insa Maria Grenzer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Sina Hirschel
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Dirk Fitzner
- Department of Neurology, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Claudia Bartels
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Charles Timäus
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jens Wiltfang
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Göttingen, Germany.,Neurosciences and Signaling Group, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Berend Malchow
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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20
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Hansen N, Stöcker W, Wiltfang J, Bartels C, Rentzsch K, Bouter C. Case Report: Semantic Variant of Primary Progressive Aphasia Associated With Anti-Glial Fibrillary Acid Protein Autoantibodies. Front Immunol 2022; 12:760021. [PMID: 35046935 PMCID: PMC8761624 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.760021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Frontotemporal lobar degeneration is a heterogeneous disorder entailing a semantic variant of primary progressive aphasia (svPPA). A subtype of frontotemporal dementia associated with glutamate receptor subunit 3 (GluA3) antibody of the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR) was recently identified. Here, we describe the novelty of a svPPA associated with anti-glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP) antibodies. Methods To diagnose this 68-year-old woman we conducted a clinical examination, neuropsychological testing, CSF analysis, MRI and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) Positron Emission Tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) imaging. Results The clinical phenotype corresponds to a svPPA based on impaired confrontation naming and single-word comprehension. In addition, we observed spared speech production, impaired object knowledge, and surface dyslexia - further supporting the diagnosis of svPPA. Additional characteristic imaging features such as anterior temporal hypometabolism in 18F-FDG PET/CT confirmed patient’s svPPA diagnosis. CSF analysis revealed signs of axonal degeneration, as both tau and phosphorylated tau proteins exceeded normal levels. Her serum showed anti-GFAP autoantibodies. Conclusion We diagnosed a svPPA in this patient and report an association between serum anti-GFAP antibodies and svPPA never reported in the literature so far, thereby expanding the clinical spectrum of svPPA and anti-GFAP-antibody related disease. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying immunopathology of this disease entity to ultimately improve treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels Hansen
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | | | - Jens Wiltfang
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Goettingen, Germany.,Neurosciences and Signaling Group, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Claudia Bartels
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | | | - Caroline Bouter
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Center Göttingen, Goettingen, Germany
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21
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Digiovanni A, Ajdinaj P, Russo M, Sensi SL, Onofrj M, Thomas A. Bipolar spectrum disorders in neurologic disorders. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:1046471. [PMID: 36620667 PMCID: PMC9811836 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1046471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Psychiatric symptoms frequently predate or complicate neurological disorders, such as neurodegenerative diseases. Symptoms of bipolar spectrum disorders (BSD), like mood, behavioral, and psychotic alterations, are known to occur - individually or as a syndromic cluster - in Parkinson's disease and in the behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Nonetheless, due to shared pathophysiological mechanisms, or genetic predisposition, several other neurological disorders show significant, yet neglected, clinical and biological overlaps with BSD like neuroinflammation, ion channel dysfunctions, neurotransmission imbalance, or neurodegeneration. BSD pathophysiology is still largely unclear, but large-scale network dysfunctions are known to participate in the onset of mood disorders and psychotic symptoms. Thus, functional alterations can unleash BSD symptoms years before the evidence of an organic disease of the central nervous system. The aim of our narrative review was to illustrate the numerous intersections between BSD and neurological disorders from a clinical-biological point of view and the underlying predisposing factors, to guide future diagnostic and therapeutical research in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Digiovanni
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "G. D'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), "G. D'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Paola Ajdinaj
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "G. D'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), "G. D'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Mirella Russo
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "G. D'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), "G. D'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Stefano L Sensi
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "G. D'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), "G. D'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Marco Onofrj
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "G. D'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), "G. D'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Astrid Thomas
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "G. D'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
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22
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Spalletta G, Pipino V, Piras F. Editorial: Rising stars in aging psychiatry: 2022. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:974099. [PMID: 35958658 PMCID: PMC9358247 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.974099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Gianfranco Spalletta
- Neuropsychiatry Laboratory, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Vanessa Pipino
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Federica Piras
- Neuropsychiatry Laboratory, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
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23
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Hansen N, Juhl AL, Grenzer IM, Teegen B, Wiltfang J, Fitzner D. City Environment and Occurrence of Neural Autoantibodies in Psychiatric Patients. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:937620. [PMID: 35873232 PMCID: PMC9301251 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.937620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND City living might lead to a higher risk of psychiatric disease, but to date there is no evidence of any correlation between an urban environment and the occurrence of neural autoantibodies in psychiatric disease. Our aim is to identify whether the number of patients with and without neural autoantibodies living in diverse rural and urban environments differ. METHODS We enrolled retrospectively a cohort of 167 psychiatric patients via a cross-sectional design from the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy University Medical Center Göttingen and determined serum and/or CSF neural autoantibodies in them. The patients live in the German states of Lower Saxony, Thuringia, and Hessen. Their data were investigated in conjunction with the location of their primary residence. We categorized them into five different categories depending upon their primary residence: one rural and four different urban environments depending on their population numbers. RESULTS We identified 36 psychiatric patients with neural autoantibodies, and 131 psychiatric patients with none. In total, 24 psychiatric patients with neural autoantibodies were classified as sharing a possible, probable, or definitive autoimmune origin according to our recently set criteria. We observed as a non-significant trend that more psychiatric patients with neural autoantibodies and a probable or definitive autoimmune origin (45.8%) live in a major city with over 100,000 inhabitants than do psychiatric patients presenting no evidence of autoantibodies (26.4%). However, we identified no relevant differences between (1) psychiatric patients with and without neural autoantibodies or between (2) psychiatric patients with a possible, probable, or definitive autoimmune origin and those without such autoantibodies in relation to the diverse rural and urban environmental settings. CONCLUSION The inherently different aspects of rural and urban environments do not appear to be relevant in determining the frequency of neural autoantibodies in psychiatric patients in Lower Saxony, Thuringia, and Hessen in Germany. Furthermore, large-scale studies involving other states across Germany should be conducted to exclude any regional differences and to examine the tendency of a higher frequency in large cities of autoimmune-mediated psychiatric syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels Hansen
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Translational Psychoneuroscience, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Aaron Levin Juhl
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Translational Psychoneuroscience, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Insa Maria Grenzer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Translational Psychoneuroscience, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Jens Wiltfang
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Göttingen, Germany.,Department of Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Signaling Group, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Dirk Fitzner
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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24
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Hansen N, Sagebiel A, Rentzsch K, Hirschel S, Wiltfang J, Schott BH, Claudia B. Case report: Amnestic mild cognitive impairment in multiple domains associated with neurofascin 186 autoantibodies: Case series with follow-up and review. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:1054461. [PMID: 36713900 PMCID: PMC9877407 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1054461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurofascin 186 autoantibodies are known to occur with a diseased peripheral nervous system. Recently, also additional central nervous system (CNS) involvement has been reported in conjunction with neurofascin 186 autoantibodies. Our case enlarges the spectrum of neurofascin 186 antibody-related disease to include mild cognitive impairment (MCI). METHODS We report here a case after having examined the patient files retrospectively, including diagnostics such as blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis involving the determination of neural autoantibodies, brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), brain fluorodesoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET), and extensive neuropsychological testing. RESULTS We report on two patients with MCI. Brain MRI showed cerebral microangiopathy in both patients, but brain FDG-PET demonstrated pathology in the right prefrontal cortex, in the right inferior parietal cortex, and in both lateral occipital cortices in one patient. Neurofascin 186 antibodies were detected in serum in both patients, and neurofascin 186 autoantibodies were also detected in the CSF of one of these patients. At follow-up six month later, neurofascin 186 autoantibodies disappeared in one patient while persisting in the other. CONCLUSION We report on two individuals presenting MCI associated with neurofascin 186 antibodies, thus expanding the potential spectrum of neurofascin 186-associated disease. This report supports the recommendation to consider also neurofascin 186 autoantibodies in not just peripheral nerve disease, but also in disorders involving CNS autoimmunity. More studies are needed to clarify the lack of association between neurofascin 186 autoantibodies and cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels Hansen
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Translational Psychoneuroscience, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Anne Sagebiel
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Kristin Rentzsch
- Clinical Immunological Laboratory Prof. Stöcker, Groß Grönau, Germany
| | - Sina Hirschel
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jens Wiltfang
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Göttingen, Germany.,Department of Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Signaling Group, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Björn H Schott
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Göttingen, Germany.,Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Bartels Claudia
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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25
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Grenzer IM, Juhl AL, Teegen B, Fitzner D, Wiltfang J, Hansen N. Psychopathology of psychiatric patients presenting autoantibodies against neuroglial antigens. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:945549. [PMID: 36440415 PMCID: PMC9685427 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.945549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autoantibody-mediated psychiatric disorder is often difficult to diagnose as the clinical features of psychiatric disorder associated with neural autoantibodies are often similar. Thus, it is of major relevance to investigate whether psychopathology can differentiate between both disease entities as a biomarker and help us in searching for specific autoantibodies associated with psychiatric symptoms. METHODS We enrolled 154 patients of the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy of the University Medical Center Göttingen with psychopathology data and retrospectively evaluated their patient records using the classification systems AMDP (Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Methodik und Dokumentation in der Psychiatrie) and HiTOP (Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology). RESULTS We identified 35 psychiatric patients revealing autoantibodies in their serum and/or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and 119 with no autoantibodies. Relying on the AMDP system, many more psychiatric patients with serum autoantibodies (51%) had problems with orientation than those without autoantibodies (32%) (p < 0.05). Furthermore, fewer psychiatric patients with serum autoantibodies exhibited a blunted affect (11.4 vs. 32.8%, p < 0.01) and affective rigidity (20 vs. 45%, p < 0.01). In particular, psychiatric patients presenting CSF autoantibodies (indicating an autoimmune symptomatic basis) experience more loss of vitality (5%) than those without autoantibodies (0%) (p < 0.05). Another interesting finding is that according to the AMDP classification, a manic syndrome is much more frequent in autoantibody-positive (8.6%) than autoantibody-negative psychiatric patients (0.8%) (p < 0.05). Another aspect is the more frequent occurrence of attention and memory deficits in patients with autoantibodies against intracellular targets compared with targets on the membrane surface. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that neural autoantibodies in psychiatric patients could indicate a phenotype more often characterized by a manic syndrome, orientation disturbances within the cognitive spectrum, and fewer affect disturbances characterized by less blunted affect and not as seriously impaired feelings of vitality compared to controls. The novelty of our approach is the extensive autoantibody tests for various psychiatric syndromes in combination with a profound psychometric measurement with two different scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Insa Maria Grenzer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Translational Psychoneuroscience, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Aaron Levin Juhl
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Translational Psychoneuroscience, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Bianca Teegen
- Clinical Immunological Laboratory Prof. Stöcker, Groß Grönau, Germany
| | - Dirk Fitzner
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jens Wiltfang
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Göttingen, Germany.,Neurosciences and Signaling Group, Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Niels Hansen
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Translational Psychoneuroscience, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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26
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Hansen N, Juhl AL, Grenzer IM, Rentzsch K, Wiltfang J, Fitzner D. Prevalence of Anti-neural Autoantibodies in a Psychiatric Patient Cohort-Paradigmatic Application of Criteria for Autoimmune-Based Psychiatric Syndromes. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:864769. [PMID: 35711589 PMCID: PMC9196031 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.864769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anti-neural autoantibodies associated with psychiatric syndromes is an increasing phenomenon in psychiatry. Our investigation aimed to assess the frequency and type of neural autoantibodies associated with distinct psychiatric syndromes in a mixed cohort of psychiatric patients. METHODS We recruited 167 patients retrospectively from the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen for this study. Clinical features including the assessment of psychopathology via the Manual for Assessment and Documentation of Psychopathology in Psychiatry (AMDP), neurological examination, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and electroencephalography (EEG) analysis were done in patients. Serum and or CSF anti- neural autoantibodies were measured in all patients for differential diagnostic reasons. RESULTS We divided patients in three different groups: (1) psychiatric patients with CSF and/or serum autoantibodies [PSYCH-AB+, n = 25 (14.9%)], (2) psychiatric patients with CSF autoantibodies [PSYCH-AB CSF+, n = 13 (7.8%)] and (3) those psychiatric patients without autoantibodies in serum and/or CSF [PSYCH-AB-, n = 131]. The prevalence of serum neural autoantibodies was 14.9% (PSYCH-AB+), whereas 7.2% had CSF autoantibodies (PSYCH-AB CSF+) in our psychiatric cohort. The most prevalent psychiatric diagnoses were neurocognitive disorders (61-67%) and mood disorders (25-36%) in the patients presenting neural autoantibodies (PSYCH-AB+ and PSYCH-AB CSF+). However, psychiatric diagnoses, neurological deficits, and laboratory results from CSF, EEG or MRI did not differ between the three groups. To evaluate the relevance of neural autoantibody findings, we applied recent criteria for possible, probable, or definitive autoimmune based psychiatric syndromes in an paradigmatic patient with delirium and in the PSYCH-AB+ cohort. Applying criteria for any autoimmune-based psychiatric syndromes, we detected a probable autoimmune-based psychiatric syndrome in 13 of 167 patients (7.8%) and a definitive autoimmune-based psychiatric syndrome in 11 of 167 patients (6.6%). CONCLUSIONS Neural autoantibodies were detected mainly in patients presenting neurocognitive and mood disorders in our psychiatric cohort. The phenotypical appearance of psychiatric syndromes in conjunction with neural autoantibodies did not differ from those without neural autoantibodies. More research is therefore warranted to optimize biomarker research to help clinicians differentiate patients with potential neural autoantibodies when a rapid clinical response is required as in delirium states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels Hansen
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Translational Psychoneuroscience, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Aaron Levin Juhl
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Translational Psychoneuroscience, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Insa Maria Grenzer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Translational Psychoneuroscience, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Jens Wiltfang
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Göttingen, Germany.,Department of Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Signaling Group, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Dirk Fitzner
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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27
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Dysfunctional Learning and Verbal Memory in Patients with Elevated Tau Protein Levels and Serum Recoverin Autoantibodies—Case Series and Review. Brain Sci 2021; 12:brainsci12010015. [PMID: 35053759 PMCID: PMC8773655 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12010015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Recoverin-antibody-related disease is currently restricted to late-onset ataxia and autoimmune retinopathy, which can be paraneoplastic or not. However, cognitive dysfunction associated with recoverin antibodies has not been reported so far in a homogeneous patient group. Our case series is dedicated to describing the novel phenotype of cognitive impairment associated with recoverin antibodies. We included five patients with cognitive impairment who presented serum recoverin autoantibodies detected by immunoblots in our case series investigation. We also analyzed their psychopathology, clinical data, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and neuroimaging data. Five patients with cognitive impairment associated with serum recoverin antibodies exhibited profound dysfunctional learning and verbal memory. In the CSF of 40% of them, we also diagnosed axonal neurodegeneration entailing elevated tau and phosphorylated tau protein levels. Psychopathologies such as affective symptoms (restlessness, depressive mood, anxiety, complaintiveness) and formal thought disorder, such as rumination, were detected in 25–75% of the patients. We hypothesized a role of recoverin autoimmunity in the pineal gland involving consecutive modulation of hippocampus-based memory caused by an altered release of melatonin. We describe a novel phenotype of possible recoverin autoimmunity in patients with cognitive impairment. However, no clear diagnostic clues can be extracted because of the low diagnostic validity of the testing strategies applied. The possibility of recoverin antibody autoimmunity in the pineal gland correlating with a modulation of hippocampus-based memory should be further investigated.
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Hansen N, Krasiuk I, Titsch T. Neural autoantibodies in delirium. J Autoimmun 2021; 125:102740. [PMID: 34757245 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2021.102740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Delirium in hospitalized and intensive care unit patients is an emerging condition due to its rapid-onset requiring fast action to mitigate a worse clinical outcome. Although several causes and conditions are known, the association between delirium and neural autoantibodies has often been neglected in cohort studies and reviews as causing delirium. The aim of our review is to delineate the occurrence and type of neural autoantibodies and to depict other biological markers of autoimmunity in relationship to delirium. METHODS For this narrative review Pubmed research was done to select articles about delirium and neural autoantibodies. RESULTS We can report on several cell-surface autoantibodies such as anti-α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptors, anti-contactin associated protein 2, anti-Leucin rich glioma inactivated protein 1, anti-dipeptidyl-peptidase-like 6 protein, anti-glycine receptor and anti-myelin autoantibodies, as well as intracellular autoantibodies such as anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 (GAD65), anti-CV2 and anti-Hu associated with delirium in patients. Our case reports and case series screening revealed that 20 of 63 patients with delirium presented neural autoantibodies, thus revealing a 32% frequency of autoantibody-associated delirium in delirium patients. Our main finding is that delirium's hyperactive form is associated with neural autoantibodies. Diagnosing delirium differentially is difficult, as in patients with delirium and GAD65 autoantibodies, as it must be distinguished from other psychopathological excitation states such as mania. We also describe autoimmune delirium's potential pathophysiologic pathways. CONCLUSIONS The existence of neural autoantibodies in delirious patients is scientifically and clinically highly relevant in its diagnosis, therapy, and pathogenesis. More large-scale studies should be conducted to evaluate their significance and prevalence in delirium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels Hansen
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Goettingen, Von-Siebold-Str. 5, 37075, Goettingen, Germany; Autoimmunity and Translational Neuropsychiatry, University of Goettingen, Von-Siebold-Str. 5, 37075, Goettingen, Germany.
| | - Iryna Krasiuk
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Goettingen, Von-Siebold-Str. 5, 37075, Goettingen, Germany; Autoimmunity and Translational Neuropsychiatry, University of Goettingen, Von-Siebold-Str. 5, 37075, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Tobias Titsch
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Goettingen, Von-Siebold-Str. 5, 37075, Goettingen, Germany; Autoimmunity and Translational Neuropsychiatry, University of Goettingen, Von-Siebold-Str. 5, 37075, Goettingen, Germany
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Hansen N, Fitzner D, Stöcker W, Wiltfang J, Bartels C. Mild Cognitive Impairment in Chronic Brain Injury Associated with Serum Anti-AP3B2 Autoantibodies: Report and Literature Review. Brain Sci 2021; 11:1208. [PMID: 34573230 PMCID: PMC8471279 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11091208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic traumatic brain injury is a condition that predisposes the brain to activate B-cells and produce neural autoantibodies. Anti-adaptor protein 3, subunit B2 (AP3B2) autoantibodies have thus far been associated with diseases affecting the cerebellum or vestibulocerebellum. Through this case report, we aim to broaden the spectrum of anti-AP3B2-associated disease. CASE DESCRIPTION We report on a 51-year-old woman with a brain injury approximately 28 years ago who recently underwent neuropsychological testing, magnetic resonance imaging of the brain (cMRI), and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis. Neural autoantibodies were determined in serum and CSF. Our patient suffered from mild cognitive impairment (amnestic MCI, multiple domains) with stable memory deficits and a decline in verbal fluency and processing speed within a two-year interval after the first presentation in our memory clinic. Brain MRI showed brain damage in the right temporoparietal, frontolateral region and thalamus, as well as in the left posterior border of the capsula interna and white matter in the frontal region. Since the brain damage, she suffered paresis of the upper extremities on the left side and lower extremities on the right side as well as gait disturbance. Our search for autoantibodies revealed anti-AP3B2 autoantibodies in serum. CONCLUSIONS Our report expands the spectrum of symptoms to mild cognitive impairment in addition to a gait disturbance associated with anti-AP3B2 autoantibodies. Furthermore, it is conceivable that a prior traumatic brain injury could initiate the development of anti-AP3B2-antibody-associated brain autoimmunity, reported here for the first time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels Hansen
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Von-Siebold-Str. 5, 37075 Goettingen, Germany; (J.W.); (C.B.)
| | - Dirk Fitzner
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Robert-Koch Str. 40, 37075 Goettingen, Germany;
| | - Winfried Stöcker
- Euroimmun Reference Laboratory, Seekamp 31, 23650 Luebeck, Germany;
| | - Jens Wiltfang
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Von-Siebold-Str. 5, 37075 Goettingen, Germany; (J.W.); (C.B.)
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Von-Siebold-Str. 3a, 37075 Goettingen, Germany
- Neurosciences and Signaling Group, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Claudia Bartels
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Von-Siebold-Str. 5, 37075 Goettingen, Germany; (J.W.); (C.B.)
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Hansen N, Bartels C, Stöcker W, Wiltfang J, Timäus C. Case Report: Anti-flotillin 1/2 Autoantibody-Associated Atypical Dementia. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:626121. [PMID: 34211409 PMCID: PMC8239148 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.626121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Flotillin proteins are involved in neurodegeneration and T-cell immunity. Here, we report the case of 65-year-old woman who presented with dementia, depressive symptoms, and a patient history involving speech problems. As diagnostics methods we applied magnetic resonance imaging, clinical examination, extensive neuropsychological testing, and cerebrospinal fluid analysis. Neuropsychological testing revealed major cognitive decline in attentional, executive, and memory functions together with impaired activities of daily living. The cerebrospinal fluid showed elevated phosphorylated tau protein 181. We identified serum autoantibodies against the flotillin 1/2 complex. Immunotherapy entailing four cycles of high-dose steroids resulted in less cognitive dysfunction along with reduced depressive symptoms in the second follow-up after starting steroids. In conclusion: probable autoimmune-mediated dementia associated with anti-flotillin 1/2 complex autoantibodies expands the phenotypic spectrum of anti-flotillin 1/2 antibody disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels Hansen
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Claudia Bartels
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Jens Wiltfang
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Neurosciences and Signaling Group, Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Göttingen, Germany
| | - Charles Timäus
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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Hansen N, Luedecke D, Malchow B, Lipp M, Vogelgsang J, Timäus C, Zindler T, Gingele S, Kühn S, Gallinat J, Wiedemann K, Denk J, Moschny N, Fiehler J, Skripuletz T, Riedel C, Wattjes MP, Zerr I, Esselmann H, Poustka L, Karow A, Hartmann H, Frieling H, Bleich S, Wiltfang J, Neyazi A. Autoantibody-associated psychiatric syndromes in children: link to adult psychiatry. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2021; 128:735-747. [PMID: 34057596 PMCID: PMC8205901 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-021-02354-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Studies show that psychiatric symptoms in adults and children are sometimes associated with serum neural autoantibodies. The significance of serum neural autoantibodies associated with psychiatric symptoms in children remains often unclear, but might be relevant for the extent and occurrence of psychiatric disease manifestation in later life, as well as therapy and outcome. For this narrative review, we sought articles listed in PubMed and published between 1988 and 2020 addressing the maternal-fetal transfer of neural autoantibodies and psychiatric disorders associated with serum neural autoantibodies. We identified six major subgroups of psychiatric disorders in children that are associated with serum neural autoantibodies: patients with attentional deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, Gilles de la Tourette syndrome, psychosis and catatonia. Furthermore, we summarized study findings from maternal-fetal transfer of Contactin-associated protein-like 2, N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor and fetal brain autoantibodies associated with behavioral effects in animals and humans. We hypothesize that the maternal transfer of serum neuronal autoantibodies during or after birth could result (1) in the ignition of an autoimmune-mediated inflammation having neurodevelopmental consequences for their children (autoimmune-priming-attack hypothesis) and (2) has a potential impact on the later manifestation of psychiatric disorders. Through this narrative review, we propose a diagnostic pathway for the clinical diagnosis of a potentially autoimmune origin of psychiatric symptoms in children while considering recent guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels Hansen
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Goettingen, Von-Siebold-Str. 5, 37075, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Daniel Luedecke
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20251, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Berend Malchow
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Goettingen, Von-Siebold-Str. 5, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Michael Lipp
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20251, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jonathan Vogelgsang
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Goettingen, Von-Siebold-Str. 5, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Charles Timäus
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Goettingen, Von-Siebold-Str. 5, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Tristan Zindler
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Stefan Gingele
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Simone Kühn
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20251, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Gallinat
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20251, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Klaus Wiedemann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20251, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Johannes Denk
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20251, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Nicole Moschny
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jens Fiehler
- Department of Neuroradiology, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20251, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Skripuletz
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Christian Riedel
- Department of Neuroradiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Robert-Koch Str. 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Mike P Wattjes
- Department of Neuroradiology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Inga Zerr
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Robert-Koch Str. 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Hermann Esselmann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Goettingen, Von-Siebold-Str. 5, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Luise Poustka
- Department of Childhood and Adolescence Psychiatry, University Medical Center Göttingen, Robert-Koch Str. 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Anne Karow
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20251, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hans Hartmann
- Clinic for Pediatric Kidney, Liver and Metabolic Diseases, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Helge Frieling
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Stefan Bleich
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jens Wiltfang
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Goettingen, Von-Siebold-Str. 5, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Von-Siebold-Str. 3a, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
- Neurosciences and Signaling Group, Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Alexandra Neyazi
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
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Lerner A, Benzvi C. "Let Food Be Thy Medicine": Gluten and Potential Role in Neurodegeneration. Cells 2021; 10:756. [PMID: 33808124 PMCID: PMC8065505 DOI: 10.3390/cells10040756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Wheat is a most favored staple food worldwide and its major protein is gluten. It is involved in several gluten dependent diseases and lately was suggested to play a role in non-celiac autoimmune diseases. Its involvement in neurodegenerative conditions was recently suggested but no cause-and-effect relationship were established. The present narrative review expands on various aspects of the gluten-gut-brain axes events, mechanisms and pathways that connect wheat and gluten consumption to neurodegenerative disease. Gluten induced dysbiosis, increased intestinal permeabillity, enteric and systemic side effects, cross-reactive antibodies, and the sequence of homologies between brain antigens and gluten are highlighted. This combination may suggest molecular mimicry, alluding to some autoimmune aspects between gluten and neurodegenerative disease. The proverb of Hippocrates coined in 400 BC, "let food be thy medicine," is critically discussed in the frame of gluten and potential neurodegeneration evolvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Lerner
- Chaim Sheba Medical Center, The Zabludowicz Research Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Tel Hashomer 5262000, Israel;
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Hansen N, Malchow B, Zerr I, Stöcker W, Wiltfang J, Timäus C. Neural cell-surface and intracellular autoantibodies in patients with cognitive impairment from a memory clinic cohort. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2021; 128:357-369. [PMID: 33677623 PMCID: PMC7969694 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-021-02316-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Autoantibody-associated cognitive impairment is an expanding field in geriatric psychiatry. We aim to assess the association between the presence of specific neural autoantibodies and cognitive performance in a memory clinic cohort. 154 patients with cognitive impairment were included between 2019 and 2020 presenting initially in a memory clinic. We evaluated their patient files retrospectively applying epidemiologic parameters, psychopathology, neuropsychology, intracellular and membrane-surface autoantibodies in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and markers of neurodegeneration in CSF. In 26 of 154 patients, we searched for neural autoantibodies due to indicators for autoimmunity. In 15/26 (58%) of patients we detected serum and/or CSF autoantibodies. We identified autoantibodies against intracellular or cell-surface antigens in 7 of all 26 (27%) patients with cognitive dysfunction, although we cannot exclude patients with potential specific autoantibodies lacking autoimmune indicators. There were no significant differences between psychopathological and neuropsychological profiles in groups of patients with cognitive impairment comprising patients with autoantibodies (ABS + COG), no autoantibodies (ABS - COG), and Alzheimer's disease (ADCOG). Concerning our CSF parameters, we detected intrathecal IgG synthesis in 14% of ABS + COG and in 13% of ABS - COG patients, whereas no intrathecal IgG synthesis was found in ADCOG patients. Furthermore, CSF Aß42 was significantly diminished in the ADCOG compared to the ABS + COG group (p < 0.05). In addition, the Aß42/40 ratio was lower in ADCOG patients than in the ABS + COG or ABS - COG group (p < 0.05). Our findings reveal the underestimated occurrence and autoantibodies' potential role in patients presenting cognitive impairment. Furthermore, the patients with possible Alzheimer's disease might be differentiated from autoantibody-positive patients via a reduced Aß42 and Aß42/40 ratio in the CSF. The antibody-type varies between patients to a relevant degree, thus demonstrating the need for more research to identify subgroup-specific phenotypes. These pilot study results open an avenue for improving diagnosis and treatment in a memory clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels Hansen
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of Göttingen, University of Goettingen, Von-Siebold-Str. 5, 37075, Goettingen, Germany.
| | - Berend Malchow
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of Göttingen, University of Goettingen, Von-Siebold-Str. 5, 37075, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Inga Zerr
- Department of Neurology, University of Goettingen, Robert-Koch Str. 40, 37075, Goettingen, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Von-Siebold-Str. 3a, 37075, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Winfried Stöcker
- Euroimmun Reference Laboratory, Seekamp 31, 23650, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Jens Wiltfang
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of Göttingen, University of Goettingen, Von-Siebold-Str. 5, 37075, Goettingen, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Von-Siebold-Str. 3a, 37075, Goettingen, Germany
- Neurosciences and Signaling Group, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Charles Timäus
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of Göttingen, University of Goettingen, Von-Siebold-Str. 5, 37075, Goettingen, Germany
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Hansen N, Timäus C. Immunotherapy in Autoantibody-Associated Psychiatric Syndromes in Adults. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:611346. [PMID: 33584385 PMCID: PMC7875861 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.611346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Autoantibody-associated psychiatric syndromes are often distinct from, but might also be part of autoimmune encephalitis. Our article focuses on potential immunotherapy in these patients with a probable autoimmune origin of their psychiatric syndrome. Methods: We searched through PubMed for appropriate articles on immunotherapy in autoantibody-associated psychiatric syndromes between 2010 and 2020 for this narrative review. Results: In line with prior recommendations for autoimmune encephalitis and autoimmune psychosis, we suggest that in patients with a probable autoimmune-based psychiatric syndrome should be given early corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulins, or plasmapheresis as first line immunotherapy. If these therapeutic options fail, second-line immunotherapy should be applied within 1 month consisting of rituximab or cyclophosphamide. Maintenance therapy is best for those patients responding to steroids including mycofenolate mofetil or azathioprine. So far, there is evidence from a few retrospective cohort studies supporting the usage of first- and second-line, and maintenance immunotherapies for autoantibody-associated psychiatric syndromes. Some immunological agents are discussed that might exert an effect in autoimmune-based psychiatric syndromes, but the latest evidence is low and derived from case reports or series with autoimmune encephalitis patients. Conclusions: Taken together, the immunotherapeutic landscape for patients with autoantibody-associated psychiatric syndromes is delineated. Our suggestions rely on observational studies in autoantibody-associated psychiatric syndromes and a few placebo-controlled, randomized trials for patients with autoimmune encephalitis and psychosis. Thus, adequate powered, prospective as well as placebo-controlled clinical trials in patients with autoantibody-associated psychiatric syndromes are warranted in order to enlighten efficacy and safety aspects of current and novel therapy strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels Hansen
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
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Timäus C, von Gottberg P, Hirschel S, Lange C, Wiltfang J, Hansen N. KCNA2 Autoimmunity in Progressive Cognitive Impairment: Case Series and Literature Review. Brain Sci 2021; 11:89. [PMID: 33445475 PMCID: PMC7826663 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11010089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune dementia is a novel and expanding field which subsumes neuropsychiatric disorders with predominant cognitive impairments due to an underlying autoimmune etiology. Progressive dementias with atypical clinical presentation should trigger a thorough diagnostic approach including testing for neural surface and intracellular antibodies to avoid a delay in accurate diagnosis and initiating appropriate therapy. Here, we present two emerging cases of progressive dementia with co-existing serum autoantibodies against the KCNA2 (potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily A member 2) subunit. We found various cognitive deficits with dominant impairments in the memory domain, particularly in delayed recall. One patient presented a subacute onset of then-persisting cognitive deficits, while the other patient's cognitive impairments progressed more chronically and fluctuated. Cognitive impairments coincided with additional neuropsychiatric symptoms. Both had a potential paraneoplastic background according to their medical history and diagnostic results. We discuss the potential role of KCNA2 autoantibodies in these patients and in general by reviewing the literature. The pathogenetic role of KCNA2 antibodies in cognitive impairment is not well delineated; clinical presentations are heterogeneous, and thus a causal link between antibodies remains questionable. Current evidence indicates an intracellular rather than extracellular epitope. We strongly suggest additional prospective studies to explore KCNA2 antibodies in specifically-defined cohorts of cognitively impaired patients via a systematic assessment of clinical, neuropsychological, neuroimaging, as well as laboratory and CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) parameters, and antibody studies to (1) determine the epitope's location (intracellular vs. extracellular), (2) the mode of action, and (3) seek co-existing, novel pathogenetic autoantibodies in sera and CSF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Timäus
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Goettingen, Von-Siebold-Str. 5, 37075 Goettingen, Germany; (S.H.); (C.L.); (J.W.); (N.H.)
| | - Philipp von Gottberg
- Department of Neuroradiology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Robert-Koch-Str. 40, 37075 Goettingen, Germany;
| | - Sina Hirschel
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Goettingen, Von-Siebold-Str. 5, 37075 Goettingen, Germany; (S.H.); (C.L.); (J.W.); (N.H.)
| | - Claudia Lange
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Goettingen, Von-Siebold-Str. 5, 37075 Goettingen, Germany; (S.H.); (C.L.); (J.W.); (N.H.)
| | - Jens Wiltfang
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Goettingen, Von-Siebold-Str. 5, 37075 Goettingen, Germany; (S.H.); (C.L.); (J.W.); (N.H.)
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Von-Siebold-Str. 3a, 37075 Goettingen, Germany
- Neurosciences and Signaling Group, Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Niels Hansen
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Goettingen, Von-Siebold-Str. 5, 37075 Goettingen, Germany; (S.H.); (C.L.); (J.W.); (N.H.)
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Hansen N, Bartels C, Stöcker W, Wiltfang J, Fitzner D. Impaired Verbal Memory Recall in Patients With Axonal Degeneration and Serum Glycine-Receptor Autoantibodies-Case Series. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:778684. [PMID: 35153852 PMCID: PMC8831910 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.778684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glycine receptor antibody-associated neuropsychiatric disease is currently known to be dominated by the phenotypes stiff-person syndrome and progressive encephalomyelitis entailing rigidity and myoclonus. In our case series we aim to depict the less-often reported feature of cognitive impairment associated with glycine receptor antibodies. METHODS We investigated five patients with cognitive impairment varying from mild cognitive impairment to dementia associated with serum glycine receptor antibodies. Mild and major neurocognitive disorders were diagnosed according to the DSM-5 (fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). Neuropsychology via Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease (CERAD) testing results, psychopathology data via the Manual for the Assessment and Documentation of Psychopathology in Psychiatry (AMDP), cerebrospinal fluid analysis and magnetic resonance imaging data were retrospectively analyzed from patient files. RESULTS We identified five patients with cognitive impairment as the main neuropsychiatric feature associated with serum glycine receptor antibodies. One patient also presented akinetic rigidity syndrome. The psychopathology comprised disorders of attention and memory, orientation, formal thought, and affect. In addition to suffering deficits in verbal memory function, figural recall, phonematic fluency, and globally deteriorated cognitive function, these patients presented seriously impaired memory recall in particular. Tau protein and phosphorylated tau protein 181 were elevated in 75% of patients. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that axonal neurodegeneration and especially impaired verbal memory recall in addition to deficits in verbal and figural memory characterize patients with progressive cognitive impairment associated with glycine receptor antibodies. This unresolved issue should be clarified by researchers to discover whether axonal degeneration is merely an age-related phenomenon or one related to glycine-receptor autoantibodies in old age. Cognitive impairment as a neuropsychiatric syndrome of glycine-receptor antibody disease is a potential, conceivable, but so far unproven additional feature requiring deeper large-scale investigations and consideration during differential diagnosis in memory clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels Hansen
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Claudia Bartels
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Jens Wiltfang
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Göttingen, Germany.,Neurosciences and Signaling Group, Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Dirk Fitzner
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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