1
|
Vova JA, Howarth RA. Evaluation, Treatment, and Outcomes of Viral and Autoimmune Encephalitis in Children. Pediatr Clin North Am 2023; 70:429-444. [PMID: 37121635 DOI: 10.1016/j.pcl.2023.01.007] [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] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Viral encephalitis and autoimmune encephalitis are currently the most common causes of encephalitis. Determining the causative agent is helpful in initiating medical treatment that may help reduce long-term sequelae. Cerebrospinal fluid, neuroimaging, serologic, and electroencephalogram in combination with clinical manifestations play a role in determining the cause of the encephalitis. Although motor dysfunction tends to improve, there is a significant risk of long-term neurologic and cognitive sequelae. These persistent deficits that occur in childhood indicate the importance for ongoing rehabilitative services to maximize functional skills, improve cognitive deficits, and assist with community integration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua A Vova
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, 1001 Johnson Ferry Road Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30342, USA; Department of Neuropsychology, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, 5461 Meridian Mark Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30342, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine.
| | - Robyn A Howarth
- Department of Neuropsychology, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, 5461 Meridian Mark Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30342, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Santoro JD, Partridge R, Tanna R, Pagarkar D, Khoshnood M, Rehmani M, Kammeyer RM, Gombolay GY, Fisher K, Conravey A, El-Dahr J, Christy AL, Patel L, Manning MA, Van Mater H, Rafii MS, Quinn EA. Evidence of neuroinflammation and immunotherapy responsiveness in individuals with down syndrome regression disorder. J Neurodev Disord 2022; 14:35. [PMID: 35659536 PMCID: PMC9164321 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-022-09446-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Down syndrome regression disorder is a symptom cluster consisting of neuropsychiatric regression without cause. This study evaluated the incidence of neurodiagnostic abnormalities in individuals with Down syndrome regression disorder and determined if abnormalities are indicative of responses to therapeutic intervention. Methods A retrospective, multi-center, case-control study was performed. Patients were required to have subacute onset and the presence of four of five symptom groups present (cognitive decline, expressive language, sleep derangement, loss of ability to perform activities of daily living, and/or a new movement disorder) and no other explanation for symptoms. Results Individuals with Down syndrome regression disorder were comparable to a cohort of individuals with only Down syndrome although had higher rates of autoimmune disease (p = 0.02, 95%CI 1.04–1.75). Neurodiagnostic abnormalities were found on EEG (n = 19, 26%), neuroimaging (n = 16, 22%), and CSF (n = 9, 17%). Pleocytosis was appreciated in five cases, elevated total protein in nine, elevated IgG index in seven, and oligoclonal bands in two. Testing within 2 years of symptom onset was more likely to have neurodiagnostic abnormalities (p = 0.01, 95%CI 1.64–37.06). In individuals with neurodiagnostic abnormalities, immunotherapy was nearly four times more likely to have a therapeutic effect than in those without neurodiagnostic abnormalities (OR 4.11, 95%CI 1.88–9.02). In those with normal neurodiagnostic studies (n = 43), IVIg was effective in 14 of 17 (82%) patients as well although other immunotherapies were uniformly ineffective. Conclusions This study reports the novel presence of neurodiagnostic testing abnormalities in individuals with Down syndrome regression disorder, providing credence to this symptom cluster potentially being of neurologic and/or neuroimmunologic etiology. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s11689-022-09446-w.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan D Santoro
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, 4650 Sunset Blvd, MS82, Los Angeles, CA, 90027, USA. .,Department of Neurology, Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | | | - Runi Tanna
- Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Dania Pagarkar
- Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Mellad Khoshnood
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, 4650 Sunset Blvd, MS82, Los Angeles, CA, 90027, USA
| | - Mustafa Rehmani
- Department of Psychiatry, Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ryan M Kammeyer
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Grace Y Gombolay
- Department of Neurology, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kristen Fisher
- Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | | | - Jane El-Dahr
- Section of Pediatric Allergy, Department of Pediatrics, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | | | - Lina Patel
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Melanie A Manning
- Division of Medical Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Heather Van Mater
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Michael S Rafii
- Department of Neurology, Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Alzheimer's Therapeutic Research Institute (ATRI), Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Eileen A Quinn
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Science, Toledo, OH, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Abstract
Autoimmune encephalitis is a common and treatable cause of encephalitis in children and adults. Individuals present with a variety of symptoms, including altered mental status, behavioral changes, irritability, insomnia, developmental regression, seizures, dyskinetic movements, and autonomic instability. Evaluation includes electroencephalography, magnetic resonance imaging, and lumbar puncture. Once infectious and other causes are reasonably ruled out, treatment should be started empirically without waiting for antibody confirmation. Early clinical suspicion is key, as the outcome depends on early initiation of immunotherapy, including corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin, and/or plasmapheresis. Severe or refractory cases require other treatments, such as rituximab, cyclophosphamide, or other immunotherapies using novel monoclonal antibodies. Psychiatry should be involved early for the management of behavioral issues. Additional considerations include management of seizures and dyskinesias. ICU admission may be required for management of hypoventilation necessitating mechanical ventilation (either intrinsic or iatrogenic, eg, from sedatives), refractory seizures, and dysautonomia. Anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor and other forms of autoimmune encephalitis are less often associated with neoplasia (such as ovarian teratoma) in children compared with adults, but screening and removal of tumor if present should be performed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saba Jafarpour
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Los Angles, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Jonathan D Santoro
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Los Angles, Los Angeles, CA.,Department of Neurology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Co DO, Kwon JM. Autoimmune Encephalitis: Distinguishing Features and Specific Therapies. Crit Care Clin 2022; 38:393-412. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ccc.2021.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
|
5
|
Wright MA, Trandafir CC, Nelson GR, Hersh AO, Inman CJ, Zielinski BA. Diagnosis and Management of Suspected Pediatric Autoimmune Encephalitis: A Comprehensive, Multidisciplinary Approach and Review of Literature. J Child Neurol 2022; 37:303-313. [PMID: 34927485 DOI: 10.1177/08830738211064673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Autoimmune encephalitis is an increasingly recognized entity in children. When treated promptly, favorable outcomes are seen in a majority of pediatric patients. However, recognition of autoimmune encephalitis in young patients is challenging. Once autoimmune encephalitis is suspected, additional difficulties exist regarding timing of treatment initiation and duration of treatment, as evidence to guide management of these patients is emerging. Here, we review available literature regarding pediatric autoimmune encephalitis and present our institution's comprehensive approach to the evaluation and management of the disease. These guidelines were developed through an iterative process involving both pediatric neurologists and rheumatologists.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melissa A Wright
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, 14434University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Cristina C Trandafir
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, 14434University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.,Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Neuroscience, Department of Pediatrics, 3989Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Gary R Nelson
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, 14434University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Aimee O Hersh
- Division of Pediatric Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, 14434University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - C J Inman
- Division of Pediatric Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, 14434University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Brandon A Zielinski
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, 14434University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.,Department of Neurology, 14434University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Post-COVID-19 acute disseminated encephalomyelitis: Case report and review of the literature. NEUROIMMUNOLOGY REPORTS 2022. [PMCID: PMC8772132 DOI: 10.1016/j.nerep.2022.100066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Background Our understanding of the spectrum of neurological manifestations associated with COVID-19 keeps evolving. Reports of life-threatening neurological complications, such as acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), are alarmingly growing in number. Case presentation We report a 42 years old previously healthy man who presented with left visual loss and cognition deterioration, manifesting at least ten days after infection with SARS-CoV-2. Serological work-up for potential immunological markers (i.e., antibodies against aquaporin-4 and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein) were negative. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed multiple bilateral and asymmetrical lesions in the brainstem, cortical, juxtacortical, and periventricular regions, with surrounding edema. Post-contrast sequences demonstrated punctate, ring, and open ring enhancement patterns. Methylprednisolone pulse therapy was initiated for the patient, and he was placed on rituximab. After one month, his clinical symptoms had resolved, and his cognitive function was normal. Conclusions We conducted an extensive literature search, and COVID-19-associated ADEM cases reported thus far were identified and reviewed. ADEM often occurs in a post-infectious fashion; however, it is unclear how SARS-CoV-2 infection can trigger such rapidly progressive episodes of encephalopathy and demyelination. Nevertheless, considering the alarming number of cases of ADEM developing after SARS-CoV-2 infection, neurologists should consider this severe phenotype of COVID-19 neurological complication in mind, enabling prompt therapeutic interventions to be made.
Collapse
|
7
|
Wang CX. Assessment and Management of Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM) in the Pediatric Patient. Paediatr Drugs 2021; 23:213-221. [PMID: 33830467 PMCID: PMC8026386 DOI: 10.1007/s40272-021-00441-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is an inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system that typically presents in childhood and is associated with encephalopathy and multifocal brain lesions. Although ADEM is thought to be a post-infectious disorder, the etiology is still poorly understood. ADEM is often a monophasic disorder, in contrast to other demyelinating disorders such as multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. With increasing awareness, understanding, and testing for myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibodies, this disease is now known to be a cause of pediatric ADEM and also has the potential to be relapsing. Diagnostic evaluation for ADEM involves neuroimaging and laboratory studies to exclude potential infectious, inflammatory, neoplastic, and genetic mimics of ADEM. Acute treatment modalities include high-dose intravenous corticosteroids, therapeutic plasma exchange, and intravenous immunoglobulin. Long-term outcomes for ADEM are generally favorable, but some children have significant morbidity related to the severity of acute illness and/or manifest ongoing neurocognitive sequelae. Further research related to the optimal management of pediatric ADEM and its impact on prognosis is needed. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the pathogenesis, epidemiology, clinical features, diagnostic evaluation, treatment approaches, and outcomes in pediatric ADEM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia X. Wang
- Department of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75390 USA ,Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75390 USA
| |
Collapse
|