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Lenka A, Perera VM, Espay AJ, Pontone GM, Okun MS. Gaps and Controversies in Catatonia as a Movement Disorder. Mov Disord 2024. [PMID: 38924566 DOI: 10.1002/mds.29906] [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: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 06/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The term "catatonia" was introduced by German psychiatrist Karl Kahlbaum in 1874. Although historically tied to schizophrenia, catatonia exhibits a diverse range of phenotypes and has been observed in various medical and neuropsychiatric conditions. Its intrinsic movement characteristics and association with hypokinetic and hyperkinetic phenomenologies place catatonia within the purview of movement disorders. Despite the presence of catatonia in psychiatry literature for over 150 years, many gaps and controversies persist regarding its etiopathogenesis, phenomenology, diagnostic criteria, and treatment. The current versions of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) require clinicians to identify any three signs of 15 (ICD-11) or 12 (DSM-5) for the diagnosis of catatonia. Catalepsy and waxy flexibility are the only motor features with high specificity for the diagnosis. We highlight the gaps and controversies in catatonia as a movement disorder, emphasize the lack of a clear definition, and discuss the inconsistencies in the description of various catatonic signs. We propose the exploration of a bi-axial classification framework similar to that used for dystonia and tremor to encourage the evaluation of underlying etiologies and to guide therapeutic decisions to improve the outcome of these patients. © 2024 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Lenka
- Parkinson's Disease Center and Movement Disorders Clinic, Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Vishal M Perera
- Department of Neurology, Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Alberto J Espay
- Department of Neurology, James J. and Joan A. Gardner Family Center for Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Gregory M Pontone
- Department of Neurology, Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Michael S Okun
- Department of Neurology, Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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2
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Budhram A, Flanagan EP. Optimizing the diagnostic performance of neural antibody testing for paraneoplastic and autoimmune encephalitis in clinical practice. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2024; 200:365-382. [PMID: 38494290 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-823912-4.00002-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
The detection of neural antibodies in patients with paraneoplastic and autoimmune encephalitis has majorly advanced the diagnosis and management of neural antibody-associated diseases. Although testing for these antibodies has historically been restricted to specialized centers, assay commercialization has made this testing available to clinical chemistry laboratories worldwide. This improved test accessibility has led to reduced turnaround time and expedited diagnosis, which are beneficial to patient care. However, as the utilization of these assays has increased, so too has the need to evaluate how they perform in the clinical setting. In this chapter, we discuss assays for neural antibody detection that are in routine use, draw attention to their limitations and provide strategies to help clinicians and laboratorians overcome them, all with the aim of optimizing neural antibody testing for paraneoplastic and autoimmune encephalitis in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Budhram
- Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Western University, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, Canada; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, Canada.
| | - Eoin P Flanagan
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
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3
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Guasp M, Dalmau J. Searching for Neuronal Antibodies in Psychiatric Diseases: Uncertain Findings and Implications. Neurology 2023; 101:656-660. [PMID: 37353340 PMCID: PMC10585692 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000207486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, neurology and psychiatry journals have been inundated with reports on individual symptoms of autoimmune encephalitis (AE) that are described as distinct entities such as autoimmune psychosis, obsessive-compulsive disorders, or depression. It is unquestionable that for AE the demonstration of antibodies against neuronal-surface proteins is intrinsically linked to distinct disorders (some defining new diseases) that are usually treatment-responsive and associate with comorbidities that vary according to the antigen. By contrast, for psychiatric diseases, the apparent detection of antibodies has not defined any disorder or affected the diagnosis and treatment of patients. Although these studies frequently use anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis to rationalize the findings, they rarely adopt the same rigorous investigations or address the clinical and pathogenic significance of the antibodies or discuss the limitations related to the biological sample or antibody-testing techniques. It is imperative to consider (1) some antibodies (GAD65, TPO) occur in serum of 8%-13% of healthy people; (2) VGKC antibodies are not useful unless LGI1 or CASPR2 are investigated; (3) commercial-clinical testing for Ma2, Zic4, and SOX1 antibodies causes a high number of false-positive results; (4) GlyR antibodies have unclear disease specificity when examined only in serum; and (5) the significance of antibodies against unknown antigens of endothelium, astrocytes, myelin fibers, or granule cells of hippocampus and cerebellum is questioned by the lack of disease specificity and appropriate controls. These limitations and problems are a frequent cause of neurologic consultations. Here we discuss some of these problems, emphasizing the importance of clinical judgment over antibody findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mar Guasp
- From the Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS) (M.G., J.D.); Neurology Service (M.G., J.D.), Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, University of Barcelona, Spain; Department of Neurology (J.D.), Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia; and Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA) (J.D.), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Dalmau
- From the Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS) (M.G., J.D.); Neurology Service (M.G., J.D.), Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, University of Barcelona, Spain; Department of Neurology (J.D.), Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia; and Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA) (J.D.), Barcelona, Spain.
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Dalmau J, Graus F. Diagnostic criteria for autoimmune encephalitis: utility and pitfalls for antibody-negative disease. Lancet Neurol 2023; 22:529-540. [PMID: 37210100 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(23)00083-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Increased awareness of autoimmune encephalitis has led to two unintended consequences: a high frequency of misdiagnoses and the inappropriate use of diagnostic criteria for antibody-negative disease. Misdiagnoses typically occur for three reasons: first, non-adherence to reported clinical requirements for considering a disorder as possible autoimmune encephalitis; second, inadequate assessment of inflammatory changes in brain MRI and CSF; and third, absent or limited use of brain tissue assays along with use of cell-based assays that include only a narrow range of antigens. For diagnosis of possible autoimmune encephalitis and probable antibody-negative autoimmune encephalitis, clinicians should adhere to published criteria for adults and children, focusing particularly on exclusion of alternative disorders. Moreover, for diagnosis of probable antibody-negative autoimmune encephalitis, the absence of neural antibodies in CSF and serum should be well substantiated. Neural antibody testing should use tissue assays along with cell-based assays that include a broad range of antigens. Live neuronal studies in specialised centres can assist in resolving inconsistencies with respect to syndrome-antibody associations. Accurate diagnosis of probable antibody-negative autoimmune encephalitis will identify patients with similar syndromes and biomarkers, which will provide homogeneous populations for future assessments of treatment response and outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josep Dalmau
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Barcelona, Spain; Neurology Department, Institute of Neuroscience, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Francesc Graus
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Barcelona, Spain
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Approach to New-Onset Psychosis in Pediatrics: A Review of Current Practice and an Interdisciplinary Consensus-Driven Clinical Pathway at a Single-Center Institution. J Child Neurol 2023; 38:216-222. [PMID: 37165651 DOI: 10.1177/08830738231156804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
New-onset psychosis in the pediatric population poses many diagnostic challenges. Given the diversity of underlying causes, which fall under the purview of multiple medical specialties, a timely, targeted, yet thorough workup requires a systematic and coordinated approach. A committee of expert pediatric physicians from the divisions of emergency medicine, psychiatry, neurology, hospitalist medicine, and radiology convened to create and implement a novel clinical pathway and approach to the pediatric patient presenting with new-onset psychosis. Here we provide background and review the evidence supporting the investigations recommended in our pathway to screen for a comprehensive range of etiologies of pediatric psychosis.
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Cohn SL, Mohan A, Lappin JM, Curtis J, Scott JG. Anti- N-Methyl-d-Aspartate Receptor Antibody Testing in First-Episode Psychosis: Universal or Targeted Testing. J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci 2023; 35:98-101. [PMID: 36128677 DOI: 10.1176/appi.neuropsych.21080214] [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: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis is an immune-mediated disorder that typically presents with rapid development of neuropsychiatric symptoms. As a potentially reversible cause of psychosis, there have been calls internationally for routine serological screening for anti-NMDAR antibodies in patients presenting with first-episode psychosis (FEP). Increased serological testing has, however, exposed several limitations of universal screening and rekindled debate as to which patients should be tested. Screening criteria have been proposed for high-risk clinical features in FEP in which antineuronal antibody testing is indicated. The authors present a clinical vignette and a service audit as well as discuss the limitations of universal screening advocating instead for targeted testing for antineuronal antibodies in patients diagnosed as having FEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah L Cohn
- Neuropsychiatric Institute, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, Australia (Cohn, Mohan); University of New South Wales, Sydney (Cohn, Mohan, Lappin, Curtis); South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney (Cohn, Mohan, Lappin, Curtis); Mindgardens Neuroscience Network, Sydney (Curtis); Child and Youth Research Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, and Early Psychosis Service, Metro North Mental Health Service, Herston, Australia (Scott); Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, The Park Centre for Mental Health, Wacol, Australia (Scott)
| | - Adith Mohan
- Neuropsychiatric Institute, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, Australia (Cohn, Mohan); University of New South Wales, Sydney (Cohn, Mohan, Lappin, Curtis); South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney (Cohn, Mohan, Lappin, Curtis); Mindgardens Neuroscience Network, Sydney (Curtis); Child and Youth Research Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, and Early Psychosis Service, Metro North Mental Health Service, Herston, Australia (Scott); Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, The Park Centre for Mental Health, Wacol, Australia (Scott)
| | - Julia M Lappin
- Neuropsychiatric Institute, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, Australia (Cohn, Mohan); University of New South Wales, Sydney (Cohn, Mohan, Lappin, Curtis); South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney (Cohn, Mohan, Lappin, Curtis); Mindgardens Neuroscience Network, Sydney (Curtis); Child and Youth Research Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, and Early Psychosis Service, Metro North Mental Health Service, Herston, Australia (Scott); Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, The Park Centre for Mental Health, Wacol, Australia (Scott)
| | - Jackie Curtis
- Neuropsychiatric Institute, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, Australia (Cohn, Mohan); University of New South Wales, Sydney (Cohn, Mohan, Lappin, Curtis); South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney (Cohn, Mohan, Lappin, Curtis); Mindgardens Neuroscience Network, Sydney (Curtis); Child and Youth Research Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, and Early Psychosis Service, Metro North Mental Health Service, Herston, Australia (Scott); Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, The Park Centre for Mental Health, Wacol, Australia (Scott)
| | - James G Scott
- Neuropsychiatric Institute, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, Australia (Cohn, Mohan); University of New South Wales, Sydney (Cohn, Mohan, Lappin, Curtis); South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney (Cohn, Mohan, Lappin, Curtis); Mindgardens Neuroscience Network, Sydney (Curtis); Child and Youth Research Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, and Early Psychosis Service, Metro North Mental Health Service, Herston, Australia (Scott); Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, The Park Centre for Mental Health, Wacol, Australia (Scott)
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Blackman G, Lim MF, Pollak T, Al-Diwani A, Symmonds M, Mazumder A, Carter B, Irani S, David A. The clinical relevance of serum versus CSF NMDAR autoantibodies associated exclusively with psychiatric features: a systematic review and meta-analysis of individual patient data. J Neurol 2022; 269:5302-5311. [PMID: 35790561 PMCID: PMC9467941 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-022-11224-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A variety of psychiatric syndromes are associated with NMDAR autoantibodies; however, their clinical relevance when only present in the serum is unclear. We explored whether patients with CSF NMDAR autoantibodies could be distinguished from patients with serum-only NMDAR autoantibodies. METHODS The electronic databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, and PsycINFO were searched. Articles reporting adult patients with isolated psychiatric features and positive for NMDAR autoantibodies with relevant investigations were included. Patient level meta-analysis compared patients positive for CSF NMDAR autoantibodies with patients positive for serum NMDAR autoantibodies, but negative for CSF NMDAR autoantibodies. Dichotomous data were analysed using crude odds ratios (OR), whilst continuous data were analysed using Mann-Whitney Test (U). The protocol was prospectively registered (CRD42018082210). RESULTS Of 4413 publications, 42 were included, reporting 79 patients. Median age was 34 years (IQR 19 years); 56% (45/79) were female and 24% (16/68) had a tumour. In total, 41 patients were positive for CSF autoantibodies and 20 were positive for serum-only autoantibodies. Patients with CSF autoantibodies were significantly more likely to be female (p < 0.001) and have a rapid (< 3 month) onset of symptoms (p = 0.02) than patients with serum-only autoantibodies. They were also more likely to present with psychosis (p < 0.001), exhibit EEG (p = 0.006), MRI (p = 0.002), and CSF (p = 0.001) abnormalities, but less likely to present with insomnia (p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS Patients with an isolated psychiatric syndrome with CSF NMDAR autoantibodies can potentially be distinguished from those with serum-only NMDAR autoantibodies based on clinicodemographic and investigation findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graham Blackman
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's Health Partners, London, UK.
| | - Mao Fong Lim
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's Health Partners, London, UK
- Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Thomas Pollak
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's Health Partners, London, UK
| | - Adam Al-Diwani
- Oxford Autoimmune Neurology Group, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Mkael Symmonds
- Division of Clinical Neurology, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
- Epilepsy Research Group, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Oxford University, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Asif Mazumder
- Department of Neuroradiology, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Department of Radiology Guy's, St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Ben Carter
- Department of Biostatistics and Health Informatics, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Sarosh Irani
- Oxford Autoimmune Neurology Group, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Division of Clinical Neurology, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Anthony David
- UCL Institute of Mental Health, University College London, London, UK
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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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Abstract
The term limbic encephalitis has been used with an oncological precedent for over 50 years and, since then, has been applied in relation to multiple antibodies found in its etiological process. Over the last decade, the psychiatric community has brought paraneoplastic autoimmune limbic encephalitis (PALE) to a new light, scattering the once known relationships between said screened antibodies responsible for causing limbic encephalitis. Due to the fact that some individuals with this condition have a psychiatric syndrome as an initial manifestation, the aim of this updated scoping review is to reestablish a causal relationship between the onconeuronal autoantibodies, both intracellular and extracellular, possible underlying malignancies and subsequent neuropsychiatric syndrome. In pair with it, there is the idea of sketching a cleaner thorough picture of what poses as psychiatric symptoms as well as possible therapeutics. Even though the always evolving epistemology of the neurosciences achieved a significant unveiling of what includes PALE in its relevant pathological subgroups, the amount of gray literature still is much superior, appealing to a further research with more randomized controlled trials, with larger populations, so that the results corroborate the small amount of data that already exist and posteriorly be applied in the general population.
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Murashko AA, Pavlov KA, Pavlova OV, Gurina OI, Shmukler A. Antibodies against N-Methyl D-Aspartate Receptor in Psychotic Disorders: A Systematic Review. Neuropsychobiology 2022; 81:1-18. [PMID: 34000730 DOI: 10.1159/000515930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to provide comprehensive evidence synthesis including all available up-to-date data about the prevalence of N-methyl D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antibodies (ABs) in psychotic patients in order to evaluate the clinical relevance of ABs as well as to specify potential explanations of the heterogeneity of the findings and determine areas for further research. METHODS A literature search was conducted using the PubMed/Medline, Web of Knowledge, and Scopus databases. RESULTS Forty-seven studies and 4 systematic reviews (including 2 meta-analyses) were included in the present review. Studies that used cell-based assays (CBAs) provided heterogeneous results on AB prevalence, obviously depending on the type of detection assay and sample characteristics. Improvement of AB detection methods is necessary to determine the real prevalence of ABs across different groups of patients and healthy people. Live CBAs seem to have better sensitivity but probably poorer specificity than fixed CBAs. Moreover, some links between AB-positive status and acute symptoms are possible. A small amount of data on immunotherapy in AB-positive patients raises the possibility of its effectiveness but obviously require further research. CONCLUSIONS NMDAR ABs are definitely present in a subset of psychotic patients. NMDAR ABs might shape psychosis and underlie some symptoms, and immunotherapy might be regarded as a treatment option for patients failing to respond to other therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexey A Murashko
- Department of Translational Psychiatry, Moscow Research Institute of Psychiatry, The Branch of V. Serbsky National Medical Research Centre for Psychiatry and Narcology, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Konstantin A Pavlov
- Department of Fundamental and Applied Neurobiology, V. Serbsky National Medical Research Centre for Psychiatry and Narcology, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Olga V Pavlova
- Department of Fundamental and Applied Neurobiology, V. Serbsky National Medical Research Centre for Psychiatry and Narcology, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Olga I Gurina
- Department of Fundamental and Applied Neurobiology, V. Serbsky National Medical Research Centre for Psychiatry and Narcology, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Alexander Shmukler
- Department of Translational Psychiatry, Moscow Research Institute of Psychiatry, The Branch of V. Serbsky National Medical Research Centre for Psychiatry and Narcology, Moscow, Russian Federation
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Wanigasinghe J, Chang T. Autoimmune epilepsy due to N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antibodies in a child: a case report. J Med Case Rep 2021; 15:516. [PMID: 34666812 PMCID: PMC8527639 DOI: 10.1186/s13256-021-03117-5] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Seizures of autoimmune etiology may occur independent of or predate syndromes of encephalitis. We report a child with “pure” autoimmune epilepsy followed up for 7 years to highlight long-term effects of this epilepsy and the importance of early initiation and appropriate escalation of immunosuppression to achieve a good long-term outcome. Case presentation A previously healthy 5-year-old Sri Lankan boy presented with acute, frequent, brief focal seizures of temporal-lobe semiology without clinical and investigatory findings suggestive of central nervous system infection, tumor, structural abnormality, or metabolic causes. His epilepsy showed poor response to increasing doses and combinations of antiseizure medications. Further investigations detected N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antibodies in serum, but not cerebrospinal fluid. Treatment with intravenous methyl prednisolone and maintenance on mycophenolate resulted in a rapid reduction, with seizure freedom achieved within 5–6 weeks. He relapsed when immunotherapy and anti seizure medications were reduced after seizure freedom for 24 months. This, and subsequent relapses, showed poor response to modification of anti-seizure medications, but treatment with immunotherapy (methyl prednisolone and rituximab) achieved complete seizure freedom. At 7-years of follow-up, he remains free of seizure for over 3 years, and has average academic performance and satisfactory quality of life. Conclusions Autoimmune epilepsy is a recognized independent entity. Diagnostic criteria have been suggested for its early recognition and confirmation of diagnosis. Early diagnosis and initiation of immunosuppression, with prompt escalation of treatment when necessary, remains key to good patient outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jithangi Wanigasinghe
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
| | - Thashi Chang
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
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12
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Ketheesan S, Bertram G, Adam R, Stark A, Scott JG. Muddying the waters? A false positive case of autoimmune psychosis. Australas Psychiatry 2021; 29:278-281. [PMID: 33070625 DOI: 10.1177/1039856220965041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To discuss challenges with the diagnosis of autoimmune psychosis (AP) in people with chronic psychotic disorders. METHOD We present a case of a 23-year-old man with an exacerbation of treatment-refractory psychosis after receiving intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) for suspected AP, diagnosed 4 years after the onset of psychosis. We highlight the diagnostic and management challenges in such cases. RESULTS The diagnosis of AP in people with long-standing illness relies on the interpretation of non-specific clinical and laboratory findings in individuals with psychosocial problems and challenges of acceptance and adherence to complex medical investigations and treatments. Equivocal results from investigations undertaken without logical clinical reasoning can lead to inappropriate interventions that are costly and can cause iatrogenic harm. CONCLUSION Psychiatrists should restrict screening for antineuronal antibodies in people with chronic psychosis to those with higher risk features such as persistent treatment refractory symptoms with concurrent neurological signs and symptoms. Further research informing the clinical circumstances for antineuronal antibody testing is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarangan Ketheesan
- Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, QLD, Australia.,Metro North Mental Health Service, Herston, QLD, Australia.,Laboratory of Psychiatric Neuroscience, James Cook University, Douglas, QLD, Australia
| | - Georgia Bertram
- Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, QLD, Australia.,Metro North Mental Health Service, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Robert Adam
- Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, QLD, Australia.,University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, Herston, QLD, Australia.,QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Anne Stark
- Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, QLD, Australia.,Metro North Mental Health Service, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - James G Scott
- Metro North Mental Health Service, Herston, QLD, Australia.,QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia.,Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, Wacol, QLD, Australia
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13
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Swayne A, Warren N, Prain K, Gillis D, O'Gorman C, Tsang BKT, Muller C, Broadley S, Adam RJ, McCombe P, Wong RC, Blum S. An Australian State-Based Cohort Study of Autoimmune Encephalitis Cases Detailing Clinical Presentation, Investigation Results, and Response to Therapy. Front Neurol 2021; 12:607773. [PMID: 33692738 PMCID: PMC7937705 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.607773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Autoimmune encephalitis is a disorder associated with antibodies directed against central nervous system proteins with variable clinical features. This study aims to add to knowledge of the disease by reporting the details of a cohort of patients with autoimmune encephalitis in Queensland, Australia. Methodology: We surveyed patients with autoimmune encephalitis diagnosed and managed through public hospitals in Queensland, Australia between 2010 and the end of 2019. Cases were identified via case detection through a centralized diagnostic neuroimmunology laboratory (Division of Immunology, HSQ Pathology Queensland Central Laboratory, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia) and a survey of neurologists. Data including demographic details, clinical presentation, investigation results, treatments including immune therapy and outcomes was collected. Results: Sixty cases of antibody positive autoimmune encephalitis were identified. Twenty-eight were of anti-NMDA-receptor encephalitis with other cases associated with antibodies against LGi1, Caspr2, glycine receptor, DPPX, GABAB receptor, IgLON5, GFAP, and SOX1. The number of diagnosed cases, especially of anti-NMDA-receptor encephalitis has markedly increased over the period 2017 to 2019. Clinical presentations were marked by heterogeneous symptom complexes and prolonged hospital admissions. Imaging studies were largely normal or non-specific. There was a response to immune therapy and a low mortality rate. Most cases affected by this disorder were left with ongoing symptoms associated with mild disability. Conclusion: Autoimmune encephalitis in Queensland, Australia is an increasingly common but complex clinical entity marked by heterogeneous presentations, response to immune therapy and outcome results marked by low mortality and incomplete recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Swayne
- Mater Centre for Neurosciences, Mater Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Department of Neurology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Nicola Warren
- School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Department of Psychiatry, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Kerri Prain
- Health Support Queensland, Pathology Queensland Central Laboratory, Division of Immunology, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - David Gillis
- Health Support Queensland, Pathology Queensland Central Laboratory, Division of Immunology, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Cullen O'Gorman
- Mater Centre for Neurosciences, Mater Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Department of Neurology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Benjamin K-T Tsang
- Department of Neurology, Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Sunshine Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Claire Muller
- Department of Neurology, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Simon Broadley
- Department of Neurology, Gold Coast University Hospital, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Robert J Adam
- Department of Neurology, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Pamela McCombe
- School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Department of Neurology, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Richard C Wong
- Health Support Queensland, Pathology Queensland Central Laboratory, Division of Immunology, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Department of Immunology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Stefan Blum
- Mater Centre for Neurosciences, Mater Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Department of Neurology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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14
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Warren N, O'Gorman C, Blum S, Kisely S, Swayne A, Flavell J, Siskind D. Evaluation of the proposed anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor encephalitis clinical diagnostic criteria in psychiatric patients. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2020; 142:52-57. [PMID: 32474904 DOI: 10.1111/acps.13197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The gold standard for diagnosing anti-NMDAR encephalitis is demonstration of the antibody in CSF. Clinical diagnostic criteria have been proposed for when this is not available in a timely manner which is evaluated, in this study, for a psychiatric population. METHODS This study retrospectively assessed the proposed criteria in patients presenting to psychiatric services for the first time with known anti-NMDAR antibody status. Antibody-positive cases were derived from the literature (conception to December 2019) and a state-wide (Queensland, Australia) cohort. Antibody-negative cases were derived from a service-wide (Metro South, Queensland, Australia) cohort of psychiatric cases which underwent antibody testing for routine organic screening. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated at 1 week following admission and the point of discharge. RESULTS The proposed criteria were applied to 641 cases (500 antibody-positive and 141 antibody-negative), demonstrating a sensitivity which increased from around 19% after 1 week to 49% by the point of discharge. Specificity was 100% at both time points. The mean average time to become positive using the proposed criteria was 19.5 days compared to 34.9 days for return of antibody testing. CONCLUSIONS High specificity of the proposed criteria, seen in this study, suggests that cases which are positive can be considered for expedited commencement of treatment. However, if clinical suspicion is high despite criteria being negative, it is essential to test CSF for anti-NMDAR antibody.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Warren
- Metro South Addiction and Mental Health, Brisbane, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - C O'Gorman
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.,Department of Neurology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Australia.,Mater Centre for Neurosciences, Mater Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
| | - S Blum
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.,Department of Neurology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Australia.,Mater Centre for Neurosciences, Mater Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
| | - S Kisely
- Metro South Addiction and Mental Health, Brisbane, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - A Swayne
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.,Department of Neurology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Australia.,Mater Centre for Neurosciences, Mater Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
| | - J Flavell
- Metro South Addiction and Mental Health, Brisbane, Australia
| | - D Siskind
- Metro South Addiction and Mental Health, Brisbane, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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