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Rafferty T, Koeppen-Babcock A, Muppidi S, Li Y, Le S. Utilization of APE2 and RITE2 scores in autoimmune encephalitis patients with seizures. Epilepsy Behav 2024; 154:109737. [PMID: 38518672 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2024.109737] [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] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Immune-mediated seizures are rare but are increasingly recognized as an etiology of seizures resistant to anti-seizure medications (ASMs). Antibody Prevalence in Epilepsy 2 (APE2) and Response to Immunotherapy in Epilepsy 2 (RITE2) scores were developed recently to identify patients who may be seropositive for serum central nervous system (CNS) specific antibodies (Ab) and may benefit from immunotherapy (Dubey et al. 2018). The goal of this study was to apply APE2 and RITE2 scores to an independent cohort of patients with seizures secondary to autoimmune encephalitis (AE) and to further verify the sensitivity and specificity of the scores. PRINCIPAL RESULTS We conducted a retrospective study at Stanford University Hospital between 2008 and 2021 and included patients who had acute seizures and AE using diagnostic criteria from Graus (n = 34 definite AE, 10 probable AE, and 12 possible AE) (Graus et al. 2016). Patients were excluded if they did not have a serum Ab panel investigated or had alternate diagnoses (n = 55). APE2 and RITE2 scores were calculated based on clinical and diagnostic data (n = 56). Serum Ab were positive in 73 % of patients, in which 63 % cases carried CNS specific Ab. An APE2 score ≥ 4 had a sensitivity of 97 % and specificity of 14 % to predict a positive serum CNS specific Ab. A RITE2 score ≥ 7 had a sensitivity of 93 % and specificity of 60 % to predict seizure responsiveness to immunotherapy. CONCLUSION APE2 and RITE2 scores had high sensitivities but low specificities to predict seropositivity and seizure responsiveness to immunotherapy in patients with autoimmune encephalitis with seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor Rafferty
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, CA, USA
| | | | - Srikanth Muppidi
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, CA, USA
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, CA, USA
| | - Scheherazade Le
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, CA, USA.
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Liang C, Chu E, Kuoy E, Soun JE. Autoimmune-mediated encephalitis and mimics: A neuroimaging review. J Neuroimaging 2023; 33:19-34. [PMID: 36217010 DOI: 10.1111/jon.13060] [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: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune encephalitis is a category of autoantibody-mediated neurological disorders that often presents a diagnostic challenge due to its variable clinical and imaging findings. The purpose of this image-based review is to provide an overview of the major subtypes of autoimmune encephalitis and their associated autoantibodies, discuss their characteristic clinical and imaging features, and highlight several disease processes that may mimic imaging findings of autoimmune encephalitis. A literature search on autoimmune encephalitis was performed and publications from neuroradiology, neurology, and nuclear medicine literature were included. Cases from our institutional database that best exemplify major imaging features were presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conan Liang
- Department of Radiological Sciences, University of California, Irvine Medical Center, Orange, California, USA
| | - Eleanor Chu
- Department of Radiological Sciences, University of California, Irvine Medical Center, Orange, California, USA
| | - Edward Kuoy
- Department of Radiological Sciences, University of California, Irvine Medical Center, Orange, California, USA
| | - Jennifer E Soun
- Department of Radiological Sciences, University of California, Irvine Medical Center, Orange, California, USA
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Fortunato F, Giugno A, Sammarra I, Labate A, Gambardella A. Epilepsy, Immunity and Neuropsychiatric Disorders. Curr Neuropharmacol 2023; 21:1714-1735. [PMID: 35794773 PMCID: PMC10514543 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x20666220706094651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Several studies have focused on the emerging role of immunity and inflammation in a wide range of neurological disorders. Autoimmune diseases involving central nervous system share well defined clinical features including epileptic seizures and additional neuropsychiatric symptoms, like cognitive and psychiatric disturbances. The growing evidence about the role of immunity in the pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying these conditions lead to the concept of autoimmune epilepsy. This relatively-new term has been introduced to highlight the etiological and prognostic implications of immunity in epileptogenesis. In this review, we aim to discuss the role of autoimmunity in epileptogenesis and its clinical, neurophysiological, neuroimaging and therapeutic implications. Moreover, we wish to address the close relationship between immunity and additional symptoms, particularly cognitive and psychiatric features, which deeply impact clinical outcomes in these patients. To assess these aspects, we first analyzed Rasmussen's encephalitis. Subsequently, we have covered autoimmune encephalitis, particularly those associated with autoantibodies against surface neuronal antigens, as these autoantibodies express a direct immune-mediated mechanism, different from those against intracellular antigens. Then, we discussed the connection between systemic immune disorders and neurological manifestations. This review aims to highlight the need to expand knowledge about the role of inflammation and autoimmunity in the pathophysiology of neurological disorders and the importance to early recognize these clinical entities. Indeed, early identification may result in faster recovery and a better prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Fortunato
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Institute of Neurology, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Alessia Giugno
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Institute of Neurology, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Ilaria Sammarra
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Institute of Neurology, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Angelo Labate
- BIOMORF Department, Neurology Unit, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Antonio Gambardella
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Institute of Neurology, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
- Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology, National Research Council, I-88100 Catanzaro, Italy
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Basnyat P, Peltola M, Raitanen J, Liimatainen S, Rainesalo S, Pesu M, Peltola J. Elevated IL-6 plasma levels are associated with GAD antibodies-associated autoimmune epilepsy. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1129907. [PMID: 37025699 PMCID: PMC10070787 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1129907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Antibodies against glutamic acid decarboxylase (GADA) are present in multiple neurological manifestations, such as stiff-person syndrome, cerebellar ataxia, limbic encephalitis, and epilepsy. Increasing data support the clinical significance of GADA as an autoimmune etiology of epilepsy, however, there is not yet definitive evidence to confirm the pathogenic link between GADA and epilepsy. Objective Interleukin-6 (IL-6), a pro-convulsive and neurotoxic cytokine, and interleukin-10 (IL-10), an anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective cytokine, are crucial inflammatory mediators in the brain. Increased production of IL-6 and its association with epileptic disease profiles are well established, suggesting the presence of chronic systemic inflammation in epilepsy. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the association of plasma cytokine concentrations of IL-6 and IL-10 and their ratio with GADA in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. Methods Interleukin-6 and IL-10 concentrations were measured by ELISA in plasma, and the IL-6/IL-10 ratio was calculated in a cross-sectional cohort of 247 patients with epilepsy who had their GADA titers measured previously for their clinical significance in epilepsy. Based on GADA titers, patients were grouped as GADA negative (n = 238), GADA low positive (antibody titers < 1,000 RU/mL, n = 5), and GADA high positive (antibody titers ≥ 1,000 RU/mL, n = 4). Results Median IL-6 concentrations were significantly higher in patients with high GADA positivity [2.86 pg/mL, interquartile range (IQR) = 1.90-5.34 pg/mL] than in GADA-negative patients [1.18 pg/mL, interquartile range (IQR) = 0.54-2.32 pg/mL; p = 0.039]. Similarly, IL-10 concentrations were also higher in GADA high-positive patients [1.45 pg/mL, interquartile range (IQR) = 0.53-14.32 pg/mL] than in GADA-negative patients [0.50 pg/mL, interquartile range (IQR) = 0.24-1.00 pg/mL], however, the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.110). Neither IL-6 nor IL-10 concentrations were different between GADA-negative and GADA low-positive patients (p > 0.05) or between GADA low-positive or GADA high-positive patients (p > 0.05). The IL-6/IL-10 ratio was also similar among all the study groups. Conclusion Increased circulatory concentrations of IL-6 are associated with high GADA titers in patients with epilepsy. These data provide additional pathophysiological significance of IL-6 and help to further describe the immune mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of GADA-associated autoimmune epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pabitra Basnyat
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Department of Neurology, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
- *Correspondence: Pabitra Basnyat,
| | - Maria Peltola
- Department of Psychiatry, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Jani Raitanen
- Faculty of Social Sciences (Health Sciences), Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- UKK Institute for Health Promotion Research, Tampere, Finland
| | - Suvi Liimatainen
- Department of Neurology, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
- Administration Centre, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Sirpa Rainesalo
- Division of Acute Treatment, Emergency Department, Intensive Care and Anesthesia, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Marko Pesu
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Fimlab Laboratories, Tampere, Finland
- Gilead Sciences, Vantaa, Finland
| | - Jukka Peltola
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Department of Neurology, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
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Gillinder L, Britton J. Autoimmune-Associated Seizures. Continuum (Minneap Minn) 2022; 28:363-398. [PMID: 35393963 DOI: 10.1212/con.0000000000001079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This article focuses on the seizure manifestations and presentations of autoimmune-associated epilepsy and acute symptomatic seizures in autoimmune encephalitis. It discusses the specificity of the various central nervous system autoantibodies and clarifies when their presence can be considered indicative of an immune etiology. Finally, current recommendations regarding patient selection for autoimmune antibody evaluation are reviewed, and an approach to immunotherapy is provided. RECENT FINDINGS Although autoimmune seizures are caused by a heterogeneous group of autoantibodies, key features reported in the literature should alert clinicians to the possible diagnosis. In particular, seizure characteristics including frequency, timing, duration, and symptomatology can provide vital clues to help differentiate autoimmune-associated seizures from other causes of epilepsy. Diagnostic certainty also requires an understanding and integration of the spectrum of clinical and paraclinical presentations, and several scoring systems have been developed that may be useful to aid the identification of autoimmune seizures. SUMMARY Seizures due to autoimmune etiology are increasingly encountered in clinical practice. It is critical that clinicians recognize immune seizure etiologies early in their course given they are often responsive to immunotherapy but are usually resistant to antiseizure medications. Currently, however, it is unfortunately not uncommon for autoimmune-associated seizure disorders to remain undiagnosed, resulting in missed opportunities to administer effective therapies. Efforts to better understand autoimmune seizure manifestations and treatment strategies are ongoing.
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Seery N, Butzkueven H, O'Brien TJ, Monif M. Contemporary advances in antibody-mediated encephalitis: anti-LGI1 and anti-Caspr2 antibody (Ab)-mediated encephalitides. Autoimmun Rev 2022; 21:103074. [PMID: 35247644 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2022.103074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Encephalitides with antibodies directed against leucine-rich glioma-inactivated 1 (LGI1) and contactin-associated protein-like 2 (Caspr2) represent two increasingly well characterised forms of autoimmune encephalitis. Both share overlapping and distinct clinical features, are mediated by autoantibodies directed against differing proteins complexed with voltage-gated potassium channels, with unique genetic predisposition identified to date. Herein we summarise disease mechanisms, clinical features, treatment considerations, prognostic factors and clinical outcomes regarding these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabil Seery
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Neurology, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Helmut Butzkueven
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Neurology, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Terence J O'Brien
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Neurology, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mastura Monif
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Neurology, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Neurology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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Yue Q, Cai M, Xiao B, Zhan Q, Zeng C. The Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis and Epilepsy. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2022; 42:439-453. [PMID: 34279746 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-021-01130-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Honoured as the second genome in humans, the gut microbiota is involved in a constellation of physiological and pathological processes, including those related to the central nervous system. The communication between the gut microbiota and the brain is realized by a complex bidirectional connection, known as the "microbiota-gut-brain axis", via neuroendocrine, immunological, and direct neural mechanisms. Recent studies indicate that gut dysfunction/dysbiosis is presumably involved in the pathogenesis of and susceptibility to epilepsy. In addition, the reconstruction of the intestinal microbiome through, for example, faecal microbiota transplantation, probiotic intervention, and a ketogenic diet, has exhibited beneficial effects on drug-resistant epilepsy. The purposes of this review are to provide a brief overview of the microbiota-gut-brain axis and to synthesize what is known about the involvement of the gut microbiota in the pathogenesis and treatment of epilepsy, to bring new insight into the pathophysiology of epilepsy and to present a preliminary discussion of novel therapeutic options for epilepsy based on the gut microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Yue
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Mingfei Cai
- Department of Neurology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 139 Renmin Road, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Bo Xiao
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Qiong Zhan
- Department of Neurology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 139 Renmin Road, Changsha, 410011, China.
| | - Chang Zeng
- Health Management Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, China.
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Th17 cell-mediated immune response in a subpopulation of dogs with idiopathic epilepsy. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0262285. [PMID: 35025939 PMCID: PMC8757915 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0262285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Canine idiopathic epilepsy (IE) is a common neurological disease with severe impact on the owner´s and the dog's quality of life. A subpopulation of dogs with IE does not respond to antiseizure drugs (non-responder). Th17 cells (T helper cells) and their proinflammatory Interleukin-17 (IL-17) are part of the immune system and previous studies showed their involvement in the pathogenesis of several autoimmune diseases. Non-responder might have an abnormal immune response against structures of the central nervous system. To discover a new aetiology of canine IE and thereby optimising the therapy of intractable IE, this prospective study aimed to investigate Th17 cells and IL-17 in dogs with IE. The underlying hypothesis was that in some dogs with IE a Th17 cell-mediated immune response could be detectable. METHODS 57 dogs with IE and 10 healthy dogs (control group, C) were enrolled in the study. EDTA blood was taken to measure Th17 cells by flow cytometry. IL-17 was measured in 35 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and 33 serum samples using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). It was investigated whether there was a significant increase of stimulated Th17 cells in blood samples or of IL-17 in serum and CSF samples of dogs with IE in comparison to C. Correlations between the amount of Th17 cells/μL or IL-17 and different clinical parameters e.g. seizure frequency, seizure type, seizure severity or treatment response were evaluated. Additionally, Th17 cells/μL were randomly controlled of 17 dogs with IE and were examined for changes over time and in relation to treatment response. RESULTS Ten dogs with IE had strongly elevated stimulated Th17 cells/μL within the blood (>100 Th17 cells/μL). A slight positive correlation between stimulated Th17 cells/μL and seizure severity (p = 0.046; rSpear = 0.27) was proven in these dogs. In addition, 4/10 dogs with elevated Th17 levels experienced cluster seizures and status epilepticus in comparison to 9% of the dogs with non-elevated Th17 levels (<100 Th17 cells/μL). Dogs with IE had significantly higher IL-17 values in CSF and serum samples compared to C (p<0.001; p<0.002; respectively). CONCLUSION In single dogs with IE, strongly increased amounts of Th17 cells were detectable and dogs with elevated Th17 cells seemed to have a greater risk for experiencing a combination of cluster seizures and status epilepticus. Therefore, an underlying Th17-cell mediated immune response was suspected and hence anti-inflammatory drugs could be indicated in these single cases with intractable epilepsy.
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Levite M, Goldberg H. Autoimmune Epilepsy - Novel Multidisciplinary Analysis, Discoveries and Insights. Front Immunol 2022; 12:762743. [PMID: 35095841 PMCID: PMC8790247 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.762743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy affects ~50 million people. In ~30% of patients the etiology is unknown, and ~30% are unresponsive to anti-epileptic drugs. Intractable epilepsy often leads to multiple seizures daily or weekly, lasting for years, and accompanied by cognitive, behavioral, and psychiatric problems. This multidisciplinary scientific (not clinical) 'Perspective' article discusses Autoimmune Epilepsy from immunological, neurological and basic-science angles. The article includes summaries and novel discoveries, ideas, insights and recommendations. We summarize the characteristic features of the respective antigens, and the pathological activity in vitro and in animal models of autoimmune antibodies to: Glutamate/AMPA-GluR3, Glutamate/NMDA-NR1, Glutamate/NMDA-NR2, GAD-65, GABA-R, GLY-R, VGKC, LGI1, CASPR2, and β2 GP1, found in subpopulations of epilepsy patients. Glutamate receptor antibodies: AMPA-GluR3B peptide antibodies, seem so far as the most exclusive and pathogenic autoimmune antibodies in Autoimmune Epilepsy. They kill neural cells by three mechanisms: excitotoxicity, Reactive-Oxygen-Species, and complement-fixation, and induce and/or facilitate brain damage, seizures, and behavioral impairments. In this article we raise and discuss many more topics and new insights related to Autoimmune Epilepsy. 1. Few autoimmune antibodies tilt the balance between excitatory Glutamate and inhibitory GABA, thereby promoting neuropathology and epilepsy; 2. Many autoantigens are synaptic, and have extracellular domains. These features increase the likelihood of autoimmunity against them, and the ease with which autoimmune antibodies can reach and harm these self-proteins. 3. Several autoantigens have 'frenetic character'- undergoing dynamic changes that can increase their antigenicity; 4. The mRNAs of the autoantigens are widely expressed in multiple organs outside the brain. If translated by default to proteins, broad spectrum detrimental autoimmunity is expected; 5. The autoimmunity can precede seizures, cause them, and be detrimental whether primary or epiphenomenon; 6. Some autoimmune antibodies induce, and associate with, cognitive, behavioral and psychiatric impairments; 7. There are evidences for epitope spreading in Autoimmune Epilepsy; 8. T cells have different 'faces' in the brain, and in Autoimmune Epilepsy: Normal T cells are needed for the healthy brain. Normal T cells are damaged by autoimmune antibodies to Glutamate/AMPA GluR3, which they express, and maybe by additional autoantibodies to: Dopamine-R, GABA-R, Ach-R, Serotonin-R, and Adrenergic-R, present in various neurological diseases (summarized herein), since T cells express all these Neurotransmitter receptors. However, autoimmune and/or cytotoxic T cells damage the brain; 9. The HLA molecules are important for normal brain function. The HLA haplotype can confer susceptibility or protection from Autoimmune Epilepsy; 10. There are several therapeutic strategies for Autoimmune Epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mia Levite
- Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
- Goldyne Savad Institute of Gene Therapy, Hadassah Hebrew University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Hadassa Goldberg
- Epilepsy Center, Schneider Children’s Medical Center of Israel, Petach Tikva, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Steriade C, Gillinder L, Rickett K, Hartel G, Higdon L, Britton J, French J. Discerning the Role of Autoimmunity and Autoantibodies in Epilepsy: A Review. JAMA Neurol 2021; 78:1383-1390. [PMID: 34515743 DOI: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2021.3113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Importance The literature on neural autoantibody positivity in epilepsy has expanded over the last decade, with an increased interest among clinicians in identifying potentially treatable causes of otherwise refractory seizures. Observations Prior studies have reported a wide range of neural autoantibody positivity rates among various epilepsy populations, with the highest frequency reported in individuals with focal epilepsy of unknown cause and new-onset seizures. The antibodies in some cases are of uncertain significance, and their presence can cause conundrums regarding therapy. Conclusions and Relevance There is likely some role for neural autoantibody assessment in patients with unexplained epilepsy who lack clear evidence of autoimmune encephalitis, but the clinical implications of such testing remain unclear owing to limitations in previous published studies. A framework for study design to bridge the current gaps in knowledge on autoimmune-associated epilepsy is proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claude Steriade
- NYU Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, New York University, New York
| | - Lisa Gillinder
- Mater Advanced Epilepsy Unit, Brisbane, Australia.,The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | - Gunter Hartel
- Department of Statistics, QIMR Berghofer Institute, Brisbane, Australia
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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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Ghosh S, Sinha JK, Khan T, Devaraju KS, Singh P, Vaibhav K, Gaur P. Pharmacological and Therapeutic Approaches in the Treatment of Epilepsy. Biomedicines 2021; 9:470. [PMID: 33923061 PMCID: PMC8146518 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9050470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy affects around 50 million people across the globe and is the third most common chronic brain disorder. It is a non-communicable disease of the brain that affects people of all ages. It is accompanied by depression, anxiety, and substantially increased morbidity and mortality. A large number of third-generation anti-epileptic drugs are available, but they have multiple side-effects causing a decline in the quality of life. The inheritance and etiology of epilepsy are complex with multiple underlying genetic and epigenetic mechanisms. Different neurotransmitters play intricate functions to maintain the normal physiology of various neurons. If there is any dysregulation of neurotransmission due to aberrant transmitter levels or their receptor biology, it can result in seizures. In this review, we have discussed the roles played by various neurotransmitters and their receptors in the pathophysiology of epilepsy. Drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) has remained one of the forefront areas of epilepsy research for a long time. Understanding the mechanisms underlying DRE is of utmost importance because of its high incidence rate among epilepsy patients and increased risks of psychosocial problems and premature death. Here we have enumerated various hypotheses of DRE. Further, we have discussed different non-conventional therapeutic strategies, including combination therapy and non-drug treatment. The recent studies supporting the modern approaches for the treatment of epilepsy have been deliberated with particular reference to the mTOR pathway, breakdown of the blood-brain barrier, and inflammatory pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shampa Ghosh
- ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), Tarnaka, Hyderabad 500007, India;
| | - Jitendra Kumar Sinha
- Amity Institute of Neuropsychology and Neurosciences (AINN), Amity University UP, Noida 201303, India;
| | - Tarab Khan
- Amity Institute of Neuropsychology and Neurosciences (AINN), Amity University UP, Noida 201303, India;
| | | | - Prabhakar Singh
- Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Ansari Nagar, New Delhi 110029, India;
| | - Kumar Vaibhav
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA;
| | - Pankaj Gaur
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20007, USA
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Li Y, Tymchuk S, Barry J, Muppidi S, Le S. Antibody Prevalence in Epilepsy before Surgery (APES) in drug-resistant focal epilepsy. Epilepsia 2021; 62:720-728. [PMID: 33464599 DOI: 10.1111/epi.16820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 12/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There is a growing recognition of immune-mediated causes in patients with focal drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE); however, they are not systematically assessed in the pre-surgical diagnostic workup. Early diagnosis and initiation of immunotherapy is associated with a favorable outcome in immune-mediated seizures. Patients with refractory focal epilepsy with neuronal antibodies (Abs) tend to have a worse surgical prognosis when compared to other etiologies. METHODS We studied the prevalence of serum Abs in patients ≥18 years of age with DRE of unknown cause before surgery. We proposed and calculated a clinical APES (Antibody Prevalence in Epilepsy before Surgery) score for each subject, which was modified based on Dubey's previously published APE2 score. RESULTS`: A total of 335 patients were screened and 86 subjects were included in final analysis. The mean age at the time of recruitment was 44.84 ± 14.86 years, with age at seizure onset 30.89 ± 19.88 years. There were no significant differences among baseline clinical features between retrospective and prospective sub-cohorts. The prevalence of at least one positive Ab was 33.72%, and central nervous system (CNS)-specific Abs was 8.14%. APES score ≥4 showed slightly better overall prediction (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.84 vs 0.74) and higher sensitivity (100% vs 71.4%), with slightly lower but similar specificity (44.3% vs 49.4%), when compared to APE2 score ≥4. For subjects who had available positron emission tomography (PET) results and all components of APES score (n = 60), the sensitivity of APES score ≥4 yielded a similar prediction potential with an AUC of 0.80. SIGNIFICANCE Our findings provide persuasive evidence that a subset of patients with focal DRE have potentially immune-mediated causes. We propose an APES score to help identify patients who may benefit from a workup for immune etiologies during the pre-surgical evaluation for focal refractory epilepsy with unknown cause.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Li
- Stanford Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Sarah Tymchuk
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta Hospital, Alberta, Canada
| | - John Barry
- Stanford Department of Psychiatry, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Srikanth Muppidi
- Stanford Department of Neurology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Scheherazade Le
- Stanford Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
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Seizures and epilepsy of autoimmune origin: A long-term prospective study. Seizure 2020; 81:157-165. [PMID: 32818871 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2020.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To follow prospectively a group of patients with seizures or epilepsy and suggestive clinical features of autoimmune aetiology and find out how many are finally diagnosed with acute symptomatic seizures (ASS) secondary to autoimmune encephalitis or autoimmune-related epilepsy, and how many develop epilepsy. METHODS Consecutive patients meeting the inclusion criteria from 2010 to 2018 were identified. Patients were classified as confirmed, probable autoimmune, non-autoimmune, or unknown. RESULTS One-hundred and nine patients were included, 64 (48.7 %) women, mean age 55.2 years (SD 17.9). ASS were reported by 61 patients (56 %), while 48 presented epilepsy (44 %). During follow-up 18 patients died (16.5 %). Final diagnosis was autoimmune-relatedepilepsy (confirmed + probable) in 22 cases and ASS secondary to autoimmune encephalitis (confirmed or probable) in 27, non-autoimmune aetiologies or other diagnosis in 49 (44 %), and unknown aetiology in 11 (10.2 %). Neuronal antibodies (ab) were found in 27 patients (24.7 %). T-lymphocyte infiltration in temporal lobes was observed in 2/8 patients (20 %). Neuronal ab were more frequent in the autoimmune groups: 17 patients (29.8 %) vs 1(2.3 %), p:0.001, and they suffered more autoimmune diseases: 37 (75.5 %) vs 12 (24.48 %), p:0.0001, and 34 (69 %) vs 22 (44.9 %) p:0.027, respectively. All patients with GAD ab 17/17 (100 %) evolved to chronic disease. Four patients (29 %) with ASS secondary to autoimmune encephalitis developed epilepsy. SIGNIFICANCE ASS secondary to autoimmune encephalitis or autoimmune-related epilepsy will be diagnosed in nearly half of patients who have been suspected of it. The only diagnostic clue is neuronal ab. Patients who have suffered ASS secondary to autoimmune encephalitis may develop epilepsy over time.
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Dimova R, Grozeva G, Chakarova N, Tsarkova P, Tankova T. GAD-65 autoantibody associated epilepsy. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab 2020; 33:817-820. [PMID: 32436860 DOI: 10.1515/jpem-2019-0395] [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: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Objectives The aim of this report is to describe a case of GAD-65 autoantibody associated epilepcy, diagnosed long before the onset of autoimmune diabetes. Case presentation This report presents a 36-year-old female with type 1 diabetes, diagnosed at the age of 26, and a cryptogenic focal epilepsy with complex partial seizures, with duration of 2-3 min and frequency of 5-6 per month, diagnosed at 16 years of age. Electroencephalography revealed epileptiform abnormalities temporally and centro-parietally on the left and temporally on the right with forward propagation on both sides. Due to the drug refractory seizures, titers of GAD-65 autoantibodies were examined (19 years after the diagnosis of epilepsy and 9 years after the diagnosis of diabetes) and were found to be elevated in serum and cerebrospinal fluid, strongly supporting its autoimmune genesis. Insulin pump therapy was used in this patient with a beneficial effect on glycemia. Conclusions Autoimmune epilepsy is a clinical entity and should be taken into consideration in patients with other autoimmune diseases, especially diabetes, and with drug refractory seizures, even preceding the onset of diabetes. Achieving stable glycemic control, including the usage of the new technologies in type 1 diabetes treatment, is vital in these cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rumyana Dimova
- Department of Endocrinology, Division of Diabetology, Medical University Sofia, 2, Zdrave str., 1431, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Greta Grozeva
- Department of Endocrinology, Division of Diabetology, Medical University Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Nevena Chakarova
- Department of Endocrinology, Division of Diabetology, Medical University Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Polina Tsarkova
- Department of Endocrinology, Division of Diabetology, Medical University Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Tsvetalina Tankova
- Department of Endocrinology, Division of Diabetology, Medical University Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
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16
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Immune-mediated epilepsy with GAD65 antibodies. J Neuroimmunol 2020; 341:577189. [PMID: 32087461 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2020.577189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Anti-GAD65 antibodies have been identified in both acute/subacute seizures (limbic encephalitis and extralimbic encephalitis) and chronic isolated epilepsy. The evidence of high serum titers and intrathecal synthesis play a fundamental role in diagnosis but poorly correlate with disease severity or response to therapies. It remains controversial whether anti-GAD65 Abs are the pathogenic entity or only serve as a surrogate marker for autoimmune disorders mediated by cytotoxic T cells. Unlike other immune-mediated epilepsy, although multiple combinations of therapeutics are used, the efficacy and prognosis of patients with GAD65-epilepsy patients are poor. Besides, GAD65-epilepsy is more prone to relapse and potentially evolve into a more widespread CNS inflammatory disorder. This article reviews the recent advances of GAD65-epilepsy, focusing on the diagnosis, epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical features, and treatment, to better promote the recognition and provide proper therapy for this condition.
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17
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Schumacher M, Rommel FR, Arneth B, Renz H, Stöcker W, Windhorst A, Hahn A, Neubauer BA. Encephalopathy Associated With Neurochondrin Autoantibodies. J Child Neurol 2019; 34:660-665. [PMID: 31138003 DOI: 10.1177/0883073819849773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
We determined the prevalence of autoantibodies against an extended number of established and novel neural antigens in children and adolescents with suspected autoimmune encephalitis, epilepsy, single seizures, or marked epileptiform activity in electroencephalography (EEG). Prospectively, 103 patients were recruited aged between 0 and 18 years and 104 controls. A panel of 35 autoantibodies against neural cell-surface and intracellular antigens was screened. Sixteen of 103 patients (15.5%) showed a positive result for 1 or more autoantibodies, compared to 6 of 104 controls (5.8%, P = .02). Neurochondrin was identified as a possible new target of autoantibodies in 3 patients within this cohort, but none in controls. The patients showed severe behavioral disturbances, memory and cognitive impairment, episodes of reduced responsiveness, but no seizures, and normal MRI. Clinical findings, course, and treatment response of these 3 patients are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myriam Schumacher
- 1 Department of Child Neurology, Justus-Liebig University Gießen, Gießen, Germany
| | - Frank Risto Rommel
- 1 Department of Child Neurology, Justus-Liebig University Gießen, Gießen, Germany
| | - Borros Arneth
- 2 Institute of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Molecular Diagnostics, Justus-Liebig University Gießen, Gießen, Germany
| | - Harald Renz
- 2 Institute of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Molecular Diagnostics, Justus-Liebig University Gießen, Gießen, Germany
| | - Winfried Stöcker
- 3 Institute of Experimental Immunology, Euroimmun AG, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Anita Windhorst
- 4 Institute for Medical Informatics, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Andreas Hahn
- 1 Department of Child Neurology, Justus-Liebig University Gießen, Gießen, Germany
| | - Bernd Axel Neubauer
- 1 Department of Child Neurology, Justus-Liebig University Gießen, Gießen, Germany
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18
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Relevance of Surface Neuronal Protein Autoantibodies as Biomarkers in Seizure-Associated Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20184529. [PMID: 31540204 PMCID: PMC6769659 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20184529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Revised: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The detection of neuronal surface protein autoantibody-related disorders has contributed to several changes in our understanding of central nervous system autoimmunity. The clinical presentation of these disorders may be associated (or not) with tumors, and often patients develop an inexplicable onset of epilepsy, catatonic or autistic features, or memory and cognitive dysfunctions. The autoantigens in such cases have critical roles in synaptic transmission and plasticity, memory function, and process learning. For months, patients with such antibodies may be comatose or encephalopathic and yet completely recover with palliative care and immunotherapies. This paper reviews several targets of neuronal antibodies as biomarkers in seizure disorders, focusing mainly on autoantibodies, which target the extracellular domains of membrane proteins, namely leucine-rich glioma-inactivated-1 (LGI1), contactin-associated protein-like 2 (CASPR2), the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR), γ-aminobutyric acid receptor-B (GABABR), the glycine receptor (GlyR), and a-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptors (AMPARs). In order to restore health status, limit hospitalization, and optimize results, testing these antibodies should be done locally, using internationally certified procedures for a precise and rapid diagnosis, with the possibility of initiating therapy as soon as possible.
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Guerin J, Watson RE, Carr CM, Liebo GB, Kotsenas AL. Autoimmune epilepsy: findings on MRI and FDG-PET. Br J Radiol 2018; 92:20170869. [PMID: 30235015 DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20170869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune epilepsy (AE) is becoming increasingly recognized as a potentially reversible cause of frequent or medically intractable seizures and cognitive deterioration. We describe various presentations of autoimmune encephalopathy which have specifically presented with seizure and describe reported imaging findings. This is organized as a review of the more common autoantibodies which can specifically precipitate seizure according to the intracellular or extracellular location of the targeted antigen. For each antibody, we illustrate their pathophysiology, characteristic clinical presentations with typical effective treatments and prognoses and imaging findings on MRI and PET/CT exams. Parenchymal involvement is variable with the limbic structures typically affected; however, non-limbic cortex, cerebellum, brainstem and basal ganglia can also be involved. In the acute setting, affected regions typically demonstrate T2 hyperintensity with mild mass effect from edema and increased 18F-fludeoxyglucose uptake. Chronically involved parenchyma will often undergo atrophy and demonstrate decreased metabolism; mesial temporal sclerosis is often the end result when the limbic system is involved. Without treatment, long-term effects from AE range from ongoing cognitive dysfunction and refractory seizures to death. Familiarity with AE may prompt appropriate antibody screening, particularly in cases of refractory seizure disorders. Early investigation and proper management of AE cases may help to prevent parenchymal and neurologic deterioration in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Guerin
- 1 Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic , Rochester, MN , USA
| | - Robert E Watson
- 1 Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic , Rochester, MN , USA
| | - Carrie M Carr
- 1 Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic , Rochester, MN , USA
| | - Greta B Liebo
- 1 Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic , Rochester, MN , USA
| | - Amy L Kotsenas
- 1 Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic , Rochester, MN , USA
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20
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Nóbrega-Jr AW, Gregory CP, Schlindwein-Zanini R, Neves FDS, Wolf P, Walz R, Steindel M, Lin K. Mesial temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis is infrequently associated with neuronal autoantibodies. Epilepsia 2018; 59:e152-e156. [PMID: 30146688 DOI: 10.1111/epi.14534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2018] [Revised: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Mesial temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis (MTLE-HS) is characterized by its well-defined clinical profile. Limbic encephalitis is increasingly recognized as a possible etiology of adult-onset MTLE-HS, and neuronal autoantibodies have been detected in patients even without previous signs of encephalitis. The aim of this study is to analyze the frequency of specific autoantibodies in patients with MTLE-HS. A case-control study was carried out with 100 patients with MTLE-HS and 50 healthy controls. Sera samples from subjects were tested by indirect immunofluorescence assay for detection of anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDA-R), anti-contactin-associated protein-like 2 (CASPR2), anti-leucine-rich glioma inactivated 1 (LGI1), anti-gamma aminobutyric acid B receptor (GABA-B-R), anti-alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid 1 and 2 receptors (AMPA-1-R and AMPA-2-R), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detection of anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 (GAD65). Mean age of patients and controls was 41.2 vs 42 years, and 55% vs 56% were female. Mean duration of epilepsy was 27.2 years. No neuronal autoantibodies were found in either group, except for anti-GAD65 in 3 patients and 2 controls. This study adds to the mounting evidence that, in Brazilian patients, MTLE-HS without signs and symptoms of autoimmune encephalitis may be infrequently associated with these autoantibodies. Differences regarding accuracy of used methodologies for autoantibody detection and genetic and environmental characteristics are discussed. Further works with different methodologies tested simultaneously in different populations may help clarify the incongruent study results about autoantibodies in MTLE-HS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adaucto W Nóbrega-Jr
- Postgraduate Program in Medical Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | | | | | - Fabricio de Souza Neves
- Postgraduate Program in Medical Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Peter Wolf
- Center for Applied Neuroscience, HU, UFSC, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil.,Division of Neurology, Department of Internal Medicine, HU, UFSC, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil.,Danish Epilepsy Center, Dianalund, Denmark
| | - Roger Walz
- Center for Applied Neuroscience, HU, UFSC, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil.,Division of Neurology, Department of Internal Medicine, HU, UFSC, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil.,Epilepsy Center of Santa Catarina State (CEPESC), HU, UFSC, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Mario Steindel
- Laboratory of Protozoology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology (MIP), Biological Science Center, UFSC, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Katia Lin
- Center for Applied Neuroscience, HU, UFSC, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil.,Division of Neurology, Department of Internal Medicine, HU, UFSC, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil.,Epilepsy Center of Santa Catarina State (CEPESC), HU, UFSC, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
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21
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Potassium dynamics and seizures: Why is potassium ictogenic? Epilepsy Res 2018; 143:50-59. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2018.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Revised: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 04/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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22
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Liimatainen S, Honnorat J, Pittock SJ, McKeon A, Manto M, Radtke JR, Hampe CS. GAD65 autoantibody characteristics in patients with co-occurring type 1 diabetes and epilepsy may help identify underlying epilepsy etiologies. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2018; 13:55. [PMID: 29636076 PMCID: PMC5892043 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-018-0787-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 03/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Autoantibodies against the smaller isoform of glutamate decarboxylase (GAD65Ab) reflect autoimmune etiologies in Type 1 diabetes (T1D) and several neurological disorders, including Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS). GAD65Ab are also reported in cases of epilepsy, indicating an autoimmune component. GAD65Ab in patients with co-occurring T1D, epilepsy or SPS may be part of either autoimmune pathogenesis. To dissect the etiologies associated with GAD65Ab, we analyzed GAD65Ab titer, epitope specificity and enzyme inhibition in GAD65Ab-positive patients diagnosed with epilepsy (n = 28), patients with epilepsy and T1D (n = 10), patients with SPS (n = 20), and patients with T1D (n = 42). Results GAD65Ab epitope pattern in epilepsy differed from T1D and SPS patients. Four of 10 patients with co-occurring T1D and epilepsy showed GAD65Ab profiles similar to T1D patients, while lacking GAD65Ab characteristics found in GAD65Ab-positive epilepsy patients. One of these patients responded well to anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs), while another patient did not require medication for seizure control. The third patient was refractory due to a diagnosis of meningioma. The response of the remaining patient to AEDs was unknown. GAD65Ab in the remaining six patients with T1D and epilepsy showed profiles similar to those in epilepsy patients. Conclusions Different autoimmune responses associated with T1D, epilepsy and SPS are reflected by disease-specific GAD65Ab patterns. Moreover, the epileptic etiology in patients diagnosed with both T1D and epilepsy may present two different etiologies regarding their epileptic condition. In one group T1D co-occurs with non-autoimmune epilepsy. In the other group GAD65Ab are part of an autoimmune epileptic condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suvi Liimatainen
- Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland.,Division 7, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Jerome Honnorat
- University of Lyon - University Claude Bernard Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Sean J Pittock
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.,Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Andrew McKeon
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.,Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Mario Manto
- Unité d'Etude du Mouvement, Université Libre De Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jared R Radtke
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, 850 Republican, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | | | - Christiane S Hampe
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, 850 Republican, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA.
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23
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Tecellioglu M, Kamisli O, Kamisli S, Yucel FE, Ozcan C. Neurological autoantibodies in drug-resistant epilepsy of unknown cause. Ir J Med Sci 2018. [PMID: 29524102 DOI: 10.1007/s11845-018-1777-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autoimmune epilepsy is a rarely diagnosed condition. Recognition of the underlying autoimmune condition is important, as these patients can be resistant to antiepileptic drugs. AIMS To determine the autoimmune and oncological antibodies in adult drug-resistant epilepsy of unknown cause and identify the clinical, radiological, and EEG findings associated with these antibodies according to data in the literature. METHODS Eighty-two patients with drug-resistant epilepsy of unknown cause were prospectively identified. Clinical features were recorded. The levels of anti-voltage-gated potassium channel complex (anti-VGKCc), anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO), anti-nuclear antibody (ANA), anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase (anti-GAD), anti-phospholipid IgG and IgM, anti-cardiolipin IgG and IgM, and onconeural antibodies were determined. RESULTS Serum antibody positivity suggesting the potential role of autoimmunity in the aetiology was present in 17 patients with resistant epilepsy (22.0%). Multiple antibodies were found in two patients (2.6%). One of these patients (1.3%) had anti-VGKCc and ANA, whereas another (1.3%) had anti-VGKCc and anti-TPO. A single antibody was present in 15 patients (19.5%). Of the 77 patients finally included in the study, 4 had anti-TPO (5.2%), 1 had anti-GAD (1.3%), 4 had anti-VGKCc (5.2%) 8 had ANA (10.3%), and 2 had onconeural antibodies (2.6%) (1 patient had anti-Yo and 1 had anti-MA2/TA). The other antibodies investigated were not detected. EEG abnormality (focal), focal seizure incidence, and frequent seizures were more common in antibody-positive patients. CONCLUSION Autoimmune factors may be aetiologically relevant in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy of unknown cause, especially if focal seizures are present together with focal EEG abnormality and frequent seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Tecellioglu
- Department of Neurology, Inonu University, School of Medicine, Malatya, Turkey.
| | - Ozden Kamisli
- Department of Neurology, Inonu University, School of Medicine, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Suat Kamisli
- Department of Neurology, Inonu University, School of Medicine, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Fatma Ebru Yucel
- Department of Neurology, Malatya State Hospital, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Cemal Ozcan
- Department of Neurology, Inonu University, School of Medicine, Malatya, Turkey
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24
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Fredriksen JR, Carr CM, Koeller KK, Verdoorn JT, Gadoth A, Pittock SJ, Kotsenas AL. MRI findings in glutamic acid decarboxylase associated autoimmune epilepsy. Neuroradiology 2018; 60:239-245. [PMID: 29353399 DOI: 10.1007/s00234-018-1976-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD65) has been implicated in a number of autoimmune-associated neurologic syndromes, including autoimmune epilepsy. This study categorizes the spectrum of MRI findings in patients with a clinical diagnosis of autoimmune epilepsy and elevated serum GAD65 autoantibodies. METHODS An institutional database search identified patients with elevated serum GAD65 antibodies and a clinical diagnosis of autoimmune epilepsy who had undergone brain MRI. Imaging studies were reviewed by three board-certified neuroradiologists and one neuroradiology fellow. Studies were evaluated for cortical/subcortical and hippocampal signal abnormality, cerebellar and cerebral volume loss, mesial temporal sclerosis, and parenchymal/leptomeningeal enhancement. The electronic medical record was reviewed for relevant clinical information and laboratory markers. RESULTS A study cohort of 19 patients was identified. The majority of patients were female (84%), with a mean age of onset of 27 years. Serum GAD65 titers ranged from 33 to 4415 nmol/L (normal < 0.02 nmol/L). The most common presentation was medically intractable, complex partial seizures with temporal lobe onset. Parenchymal atrophy was the most common imaging finding (47%), with a subset of patients demonstrating cortical/subcortical parenchymal T2 hyperintensity (37%) or abnormal hippocampal signal (26%). No patients demonstrated abnormal parenchymal/leptomeningeal enhancement. CONCLUSION The most common MRI finding in GAD65-associated autoimmune epilepsy is disproportionate parenchymal atrophy for age, often associated with abnormal cortical/subcortical T2 hyperintensities. Hippocampal abnormalities are seen in a minority of patients. This constellation of findings in a patient with medically intractable epilepsy should raise the possibility of GAD65 autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason R Fredriksen
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Carrie M Carr
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
| | - Kelly K Koeller
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Jared T Verdoorn
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Avi Gadoth
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Sean J Pittock
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Amy L Kotsenas
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
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25
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Atmaca MM, Tuzun E, Erdag E, Bebek N, Baykan B, Gurses C. Investigation of anti-neuronal antibodies in status epilepticus of unknown etiology: a prospective study. Acta Neurol Belg 2017; 117:841-848. [PMID: 28547540 DOI: 10.1007/s13760-017-0796-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2016] [Accepted: 05/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
There have been recent reports of antibody-mediated status epilepticus. The objective of our study was to investigate the prevalence of neuronal autoantibodies in patients with status epilepticus (SE) with unresolved etiology. The presence of neuronal autoantibodies was investigated prospectively in adult patients with SE who presented to our clinic between February 2012 and December 2013 with unresolved etiology. Clinical and electrophysiologic features of seropositive patients were recorded. Also, seronegative and seropositive patient groups were compared in terms of demographic and clinical features, treatment responses, and outcomes. Neuronal antibodies against N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDA-R) were positive in 2 patients, against glycine receptor (Gly-R) in 2 patients, and against gamma-aminobutyric acid-A receptor [GABA(A)R] in 1 patient, which constituted a total of 5 (22.7%) of 22 patients with SE with unidentified etiology. One of three patients with systemic tumors was positive for GABA(A)R antibody. Four patients had a short epilepsy duration, while one of the NMDA-R antibody-positive patients had chronic epilepsy and double cortex finding in MRI. There was no significant difference between seropositive and seronegative patient groups in terms of demographic and clinical features, treatment responses, and outcomes. Neuronal antibodies are found in a sizeable portion of de novo SE patients, who are potential candidates of autoimmune encephalitis. Alternatively, these antibodies may presumably also emerge in SE patients with a chronic epilepsy history as an epiphenomenon. Further research is required to make the distinction between these two different antibody formation mechanisms.
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Tezer FI, Firat A, Tuzun E, Unal I, Soylemezoglu F, Bilginer B, Kaymaz F, Oguz KK, Saygi S. Immunopathology in drug resistant mesial temporal lobe epilepsy with different types of hippocampal sclerosis. Int J Neurosci 2017; 128:421-428. [DOI: 10.1080/00207454.2017.1389928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- F. Irsel Tezer
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Aysegul Firat
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Erdem Tuzun
- Department of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Medical Research, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Isik Unal
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Figen Soylemezoglu
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Burcak Bilginer
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Figen Kaymaz
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Kader K. Oguz
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Serap Saygi
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
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Bauer J, Becker AJ, Elyaman W, Peltola J, Rüegg S, Titulaer MJ, Varley JA, Beghi E. Innate and adaptive immunity in human epilepsies. Epilepsia 2017; 58 Suppl 3:57-68. [PMID: 28675562 PMCID: PMC5535008 DOI: 10.1111/epi.13784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Inflammatory mechanisms have been increasingly implicated in the origin of seizures and epilepsy. These mechanisms are involved in the genesis of encephalitides in which seizures are a common complaint. Experimental and clinical evidence suggests different inflammatory responses in the brains of patients with epilepsy depending on the etiology. In general, activation of both innate and adaptive immunity plays a role in refractory forms of epilepsy. Epilepsies in which seizures develop after infiltration of cells of the adaptive immune system in the central nervous system (CNS) include a broad range of epileptic disorders with different (known or unknown) etiologies. Infiltration of lymphocytes is observed in autoimmune epilepsies, especially the classical paraneoplastic encephalitides with antibodies against intracellular tumor antigens. The presence of lymphocytes in the CNS also has been found in focal cerebral dysplasia type 2 and in cortical tubers. Various autoantibodies have been shown to be associated with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and hippocampal sclerosis of unknown etiology, which may be due to the presence of viral DNA. During the last decade, an increasing number of antineuronal autoantibodies directed against membranous epitopes have been discovered and are associated with various neurologic syndromes, including limbic encephalitis. A major challenge in epilepsy is to define biomarkers, which would allow the recognition of patient populations who might benefit from immune-modulatory therapies. Some peripheral inflammatory markers appear to be differentially expressed in patients with medically controlled and medically refractory and, as such, could be used for diagnostic, prognostic, or therapeutic purposes. Establishing an autoimmune basis in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy allows for efficacious and targeted immunotherapy. Although current immunotherapies can give great benefit to the correctly identified patient, there are limitations to their efficacy and they may have considerable side effects. Thus the identification of new immunomodulatory compounds remains of utmost importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Bauer
- Department of Neuroimmunology, Center for Brain Research Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Albert J Becker
- Section for Translational Epilepsy Research, Department of Neuropathology, University of Bonn - Medical Center, Bonn, Germany
| | - Wassim Elyaman
- Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A.,The Broad Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S.A
| | - Jukka Peltola
- Department Neurology, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Stephan Rüegg
- Department Neurology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Maarten J Titulaer
- Department Neurology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - James A Varley
- Nuffield Department Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Ettore Beghi
- IRCCS-Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Milano, Italy
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Scratching the Surface in Autoimmune Epilepsy: It is the Time to Dig Deeper, But How? Epilepsy Curr 2017; 17:225-226. [PMID: 29225526 DOI: 10.5698/1535-7597.17.4.225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
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Gozubatik-Celik G, Ozkara C, Ulusoy C, Gunduz A, Delil S, Yeni N, Tuzun E. Anti-Neuronal Autoantibodies in Both Drug Responsive and Resistant Focal Seizures with Unknown Cause. Epilepsy Res 2017; 135:131-136. [PMID: 28675819 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2017.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2016] [Revised: 04/18/2017] [Accepted: 06/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND and Objective Autoimmunity is an emerging field of research in the etiology of different neurological disorders including epilepsy. We aimed to investigate the presence of neuronal autoantibodies in focal epilepsy with unknown cause and their clinical correlates in both drug-responsive and resistant patients. METHOD Between 2009 and 2010 94 patients were prospectively enrolled, had their antibodies tested and clinically followed." An additional 50 age- and gender-matched controls were also tested for antibodies. Age at examination, gender, age at onset, seizure frequency, risk factors, seizure precipitants, and type of seizures were noted. Plasma obtained from patients was frozen at -80°C and analysed for autoantibodies against VGKC-complex, VGCC, GAD, LGI1, CASPR2, NMDA, AMPA and GABAB receptors with immunocytochemistry and radioimmunoassay as required. RESULTS Thirteen (13.8%) patients, but none of the controls, had antibodies (p=0.003). Antibodies were directed against the uncharacterized components of VGKC-complex in 5 patients (5.3%), GAD in 4 patients (4.2%), NMDA-R in 1 patient (1%), AMPA-R in 1 patient (1%) and both GAD and VGKC-complex in 2 patients (2.1%). Prognosis of epilepsy, in subsequent follow-up, did not correlate to general presence of anti-neuronal antibodies with slightly more patients with antibodies epilepsy control than without (76.9% vs. 69.1%, not-statistically significant. Three patients with suspected active autoimmunity and epilepsy who were treated, showed a response to treatment with a reduction in the seizure frequency. Although most clinical features were identical between seropositive and seronegative patient groups, seropositive patients were more likely to have inflammatory/autoimmune disorders in their medical history. DISCUSSION In keeping with previous studies, we have shown anti-neuronal antibodies in a proportion of focal epilepsy patients. Although autoimmunity might merely occur as a bystander effect in many chronic neurological disorders, association of anti-neuronal antibodies with good response to immunotherapy and coexisting autoimmune disorders suggests that anti-neuronal autoimmunity might participate in seizure formation at least in a subgroup of focal epilepsy patients. CONCLUSION Immunity may play a role in some patients with unknown etiology regardless of prognosis and immunmodulatuar treatment may be helpful in seropositive group.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cigdem Ozkara
- Department of Neurology, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Turkey
| | - Canan Ulusoy
- Department of Neuroscience, Institute for Experimental Medical Research, Istanbul University, Turkey
| | - Aysegul Gunduz
- Department of Neurology, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Turkey
| | - Sakir Delil
- Department of Neurology, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Turkey
| | - Naz Yeni
- Department of Neurology, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Turkey
| | - Erdem Tuzun
- Department of Neuroscience, Institute for Experimental Medical Research, Istanbul University, Turkey
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Shi LM, Chen RJ, Zhang H, Jiang CM, Gong J. Cerebrospinal fluid neuron specific enolase, interleukin-1β and erythropoietin concentrations in children after seizures. Childs Nerv Syst 2017; 33:805-811. [PMID: 28236069 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-017-3359-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2016] [Accepted: 02/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE In the present study, the levels of neuron-specific enolase (NSE), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and erythropoietin (EPO) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in children with idiopathic epilepsy were measured to illuminate the relationships between these markers with idiopathic epilepsy. METHODS Eighty-five children from 6 months to 12.5 years of age with single, previously undiagnosed, and untreated idiopathic epilepsy were participated in this study. The concentrations of CSF NSE, 1L-1β, and EPO were measured by specific ELISA methods. RESULTS The mean concentrations of CSF NSE, IL-1β, and EPO in the epileptic groups showed a significant increase (P < 0.01) compared with those in the control groups. Besides, the mutual correlations of NSE, 1L-1β, and EPO were also analyzed. Results showed that there were positive correlations between the levels of IL-1β, NSE, and EPO. CONCLUSIONS The changes of NSE, 1L-1β, and EPO level in CSF may be beneficial for the pathophysiology study of epileptic seizures and the identification and diagnosis of a seizure clinically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Min Shi
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui-Jie Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Chun-Ming Jiang
- Department of Pediatrics, Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Hangzhou, 301103, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Gong
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
- Medical Laboratory Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
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Sweeney M, Galli J, McNally S, Tebo A, Haven T, Thulin P, Clardy SL. Delayed LGI1 seropositivity in voltage-gated potassium channel (VGKC)-complex antibody limbic encephalitis. BMJ Case Rep 2017; 2017:bcr-2016-218893. [PMID: 28432047 PMCID: PMC5534759 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2016-218893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
We utilise a clinical case to highlight why exclusion of voltage-gated potassium channel (VGKC)-complex autoantibody testing in serological evaluation of patients may delay or miss the diagnosis. A 68-year-old man presented with increasing involuntary movements consistent with faciobrachial dystonic seizures (FBDS). Initial evaluation demonstrated VGKC antibody seropositivity with leucine-rich glioma-inactivated 1 (LGI1) and contactin-associated protein-like 2 (CASPR2) seronegativity. Aggressive immunotherapy with methylprednisolone and plasmapheresis was started early in the course of his presentation. Following treatment with immunotherapy, the patient demonstrated clinical improvement. Repeat serum evaluation 4 months posthospitalisation remained seropositive for VGKC-complex antibodies, with development of LGI1 autoantibody seropositivity. VGKC-complex and LGI1 antibodies remained positive 12 months posthospitalisation. Our findings suggest that clinical symptoms can predate the detection of the antibody. We conclude that when suspicion for autoimmune encephalitis is high in the setting of VGKC autoantibody positivity, regardless of LGI1 or CASPR2 seropositivity, early immunotherapy and repeat testing should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Sweeney
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Jonathan Galli
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Scott McNally
- Department of Radiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Anne Tebo
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.,Associated and Regional and University Pathologists Laboratory®, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Thomas Haven
- Associated and Regional and University Pathologists Laboratory®, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Perla Thulin
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Stacey L Clardy
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
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Lang B, Makuch M, Moloney T, Dettmann I, Mindorf S, Probst C, Stoecker W, Buckley C, Newton CR, Leite MI, Maddison P, Komorowski L, Adcock J, Vincent A, Waters P, Irani SR. Intracellular and non-neuronal targets of voltage-gated potassium channel complex antibodies. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2017; 88:353-361. [PMID: 28115470 PMCID: PMC5644714 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2016-314758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2016] [Revised: 11/03/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Autoantibodies against the extracellular domains of the voltage-gated potassium channel (VGKC) complex proteins, leucine-rich glioma-inactivated 1 (LGI1) and contactin-associated protein-2 (CASPR2), are found in patients with limbic encephalitis, faciobrachial dystonic seizures, Morvan's syndrome and neuromyotonia. However, in routine testing, VGKC complex antibodies without LGI1 or CASPR2 reactivities (double-negative) are more common than LGI1 or CASPR2 specificities. Therefore, the target(s) and clinical associations of double-negative antibodies need to be determined. METHODS Sera (n=1131) from several clinically defined cohorts were tested for IgG radioimmunoprecipitation of radioiodinated α-dendrotoxin (125I-αDTX)-labelled VGKC complexes from mammalian brain extracts. Positive samples were systematically tested for live hippocampal neuron reactivity, IgG precipitation of 125I-αDTX and 125I-αDTX-labelled Kv1 subunits, and by cell-based assays which expressed Kv1 subunits, LGI1 and CASPR2. RESULTS VGKC complex antibodies were found in 162 of 1131 (14%) sera. 90 of these (56%) had antibodies targeting the extracellular domains of LGI1 or CASPR2. Of the remaining 72 double-negative sera, 10 (14%) immunoprecipitated 125I-αDTX itself, and 27 (38%) bound to solubilised co-expressed Kv1.1/1.2/1.6 subunits and/or Kv1.2 subunits alone, at levels proportionate to VGKC complex antibody levels (r=0.57, p=0.0017). The sera with LGI1 and CASPR2 antibodies immunoprecipitated neither preparation. None of the 27 Kv1-precipitating samples bound live hippocampal neurons or Kv1 extracellular domains, but 16 (59%) bound to permeabilised Kv1-expressing human embryonic kidney 293T cells. These intracellular Kv1 antibodies mainly associated with non-immune disease aetiologies, poor longitudinal clinical-serological correlations and a limited immunotherapy response. CONCLUSIONS Double-negative VGKC complex antibodies are often directed against cytosolic epitopes of Kv1 subunits and occasionally against non-mammalian αDTX. These antibodies should no longer be classified as neuronal-surface antibodies. They consequently lack pathogenic potential and do not in themselves support the use of immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethan Lang
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Mateusz Makuch
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Teresa Moloney
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Inga Dettmann
- Institute for Experimental Immunology, Lubeck, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Camilla Buckley
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - M Isabel Leite
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Paul Maddison
- Department of Neurology, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, UK
| | | | - Jane Adcock
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Angela Vincent
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Patrick Waters
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Sarosh R Irani
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Abstract
Pediatric autoimmune epileptic encephalopathies are predominantly characterized by the presence of autoantibodies to the surface of neuronal proteins, for example, N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antibodies, but also include diseases with non-cell surface antibodies (eg, anti-Hu, glutamic-acid decarboxylase antibodies). In some cases with distinct clinical and para-clinical features, an autoimmune epileptic encephalopathy can be diagnosed without the presence of an antibody and will also respond favorably to immunotherapy. In this review, we summarize the common presentations of pediatric autoimmune epileptic encephalopathies, treatments, and outcomes, and report recent findings in the field of epilepsy, encephalopathy, and the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sukhvir Wright
- 1 Department of Pediatric Neurology, Birmingham Children's Hospital, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Angela Vincent
- 2 Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe University Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Irani SR, Vincent A. Voltage-gated potassium channel-complex autoimmunity and associated clinical syndromes. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2017; 133:185-97. [PMID: 27112678 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-63432-0.00011-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Voltage-gated potassium channel (VGKC)-complex antibodies are defined by the radioimmunoprecipitation of Kv1 potassium channel subunits from brain tissue extracts and were initially discovered in patients with peripheral nerve hyperexcitability (PNH). Subsequently, they were found in patients with PNH plus psychosis, insomnia, and dysautonomia, collectively termed Morvan's syndrome (MoS), and in a limbic encephalopathy (LE) with prominent amnesia and frequent seizures. Most recently, they have been described in patients with pure epilepsies, especially in patients with the novel and distinctive semiology termed faciobrachial dystonic seizures (FBDS). In each of these conditions, there is a close correlation between clinical measures and antibody levels. The VGKC-complex is a group of proteins that are strongly associated in situ and after extraction in mild detergent. Two major targets of the autoantibodies are leucine-rich glioma-inactivated 1 (LGI1) and contactin-associated protein 2 (CASPR2). The patients with PNH or MoS are most likely to have CASPR2 antibodies, whereas LGI1 antibodies are found characteristically in patients with FBDS and LE. Crucially, each of these conditions has a good response to immunotherapies, often corticosteroids and plasma exchange, although optimal regimes require further study. VGKC-complex antibodies have also been described in neuropathic pain syndromes, chronic epilepsies, a polyradiculopathy in porcine abattoir workers, and some children with status epilepticus. Increasingly, however, the antigenic targets in these patients are not defined and in some cases the antibodies may be secondary rather than the primary cause. Future serologic studies should define all the antigenic components of the VGKC-complex, and further inform mechanisms of antibody pathogenicity and related inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarosh R Irani
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK.
| | - Angela Vincent
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
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Freundt-Revilla J, Maiolini A, Carlson R, Beyerbach M, Rentmeister K, Flegel T, Fischer A, Tipold A. Th17-skewed immune response and cluster of differentiation 40 ligand expression in canine steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis, a large animal model for neutrophilic meningitis. J Neuroinflammation 2017; 14:20. [PMID: 28114998 PMCID: PMC5260073 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-016-0784-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2016] [Accepted: 12/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis (SRMA) is an immune-mediated disorder characterized by neutrophilic pleocytosis and an arteritis particularly in the cervical leptomeninges. Previous studies of the disease have shown increased levels of IL-6 and TGF-ß1 in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). In the presence of these cytokines, naive CD4+ cells differentiate into Th17 lymphocytes which synthesize interleukin 17 (IL-17). It has been shown that IL-17 plays an active role in autoimmune diseases, it induces and mediates inflammatory responses and has an important role in recruitment of neutrophils. The hypothesis of a Th17-skewed immune response in SRMA should be supported by evaluating IL-17 and CD40L, inducing the vasculitis. Methods An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to measure IL-17 and CD40L in serum and CSF from a total of 79 dogs. Measurements of patients suffering from SRMA in the acute state (SRMA A) were compared with levels of patients under treatment with steroids (SRMA T), recurrence of the disease (SRMA R), other neurological disorders, and healthy dogs, using the two-part test. Additionally, secretion of IL-17 and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) from the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was confirmed by an enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISpot) assay. Results Significant higher levels of IL-17 were found in CSF of dogs with SRMA A compared with SRMA T, other neurological disorders and healthy dogs (p < 0.0001). In addition, levels of CD40L in CSF in dogs with SRMA A and SRMA R were significantly higher than in those with SRMA T (p = 0.0004) and healthy controls (p = 0.014). Furthermore, CSF concentrations of IL-17 and CD40L showed a strong positive correlation among each other (rSpear = 0.6601; p < 0.0001) and with the degree of pleocytosis (rSpear = 0.8842; p < 0.0001 and rSpear = 0.6649; p < 0.0001, respectively). IL-17 synthesis from PBMCs in SRMA patients was confirmed; however, IL-17 is mainly intrathecally produced. Conclusions These results imply that Th17 cells are inducing the autoimmune response in SRMA and are involved in the severe neutrophilic pleocytosis and disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). CD-40L intrathecal synthesis might be involved in the striking vasculitis. The investigation of the role of IL-17 in SRMA might elucidate important pathomechanism and open new therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Freundt-Revilla
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Veterinary Medicine, Bünteweg 9, 30559, Hannover, Germany. .,Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Arianna Maiolini
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Veterinary Medicine, Bünteweg 9, 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Regina Carlson
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Veterinary Medicine, Bünteweg 9, 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Martin Beyerbach
- Institute for Biometry, Epidemiology and Information Processing, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Thomas Flegel
- Department of Small Animal Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Andrea Fischer
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Andrea Tipold
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Veterinary Medicine, Bünteweg 9, 30559, Hannover, Germany.,Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany
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Intestinal Microbiota as an Alternative Therapeutic Target for Epilepsy. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES & MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY 2016; 2016:9032809. [PMID: 27882059 PMCID: PMC5108868 DOI: 10.1155/2016/9032809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2016] [Revised: 10/02/2016] [Accepted: 10/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Epilepsy is one of the most widespread serious neurological disorders, and an aetiological explanation has not been fully identified. In recent decades, a growing body of evidence has highlighted the influential role of autoimmune mechanisms in the progression of epilepsy. The hygiene hypothesis draws people's attention to the association between gut microbes and the onset of multiple immune disorders. It is also believed that, in addition to influencing digestive system function, symbiotic microbiota can bidirectionally and reversibly impact the programming of extraintestinal pathogenic immune responses during autoimmunity. Herein, we investigate the concept that the diversity of parasitifer sensitivity to commensal microbes and the specific constitution of the intestinal microbiota might impact host susceptibility to epilepsy through promotion of Th17 cell populations in the central nervous system (CNS).
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Ceyhan Dirican A, Elibirlik S, Köksal A, Öztürk M, Altunkaynak Y, Baybaş S, Dirican A. Evaluation of Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase Antibody Levels in Patients with Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy and Mesial Temporal Lobe Epilepsy with Hippocampal Sclerosis. Noro Psikiyatr Ars 2016; 53:253-256. [PMID: 28373803 DOI: 10.5152/npa.2015.9948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2014] [Accepted: 07/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Several clinical studies have been conducted to investigate the role of autoantibodies and immunological mechanisms in the etiology of treatment-resistant epilepsy in recent years. Some immunological treatments have been suggested as a result of these studies. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of autoimmunity in partial and idiopathic generalized epilepsy and determine the relationship between drug resistance and autoimmune antibodies. METHODS Twenty-eight patients (24 treatment-responsive and 4 treatment-resistant) with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME), 26 patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis (MTLEHS) resistant to antiepileptic drug treatment, and 26 age-matched healthy control subjects were included in a two-year cross sectional study. Glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody (GADA) levels were measured with a radioimmunoassay method in the serum of the included subjects. RESULTS High GADA titers were detected in 2 patients with JME (7.1%), 1 patient with MTLEHS (3.8%), and 1 healthy subject (3.8%). There was no statistically significant difference among the groups regarding the serum GADA level. Although a limited number of drug-resistant patients with JME our study did not show relationships among anti-GADAs, both epileptic syndromes and drug resistance. CONCLUSION Because we did not determine any significant relationship between GADA levels and JME or MTLEHS, we do not recommend analysis of serum GADA levels in routine examinations where there is no evidence to suggest risk factors for autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayten Ceyhan Dirican
- Clinic of Neurology, Bakırköy Psychiatric Training and Research Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Sevilay Elibirlik
- Clinic of Neurology, Bakırköy Psychiatric Training and Research Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Ayhan Köksal
- Clinic of Neurology, Bakırköy Psychiatric Training and Research Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Musa Öztürk
- Clinic of Neurology, Bakırköy Psychiatric Training and Research Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Yavuz Altunkaynak
- Clinic of Neurology, Bakırköy Psychiatric Training and Research Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Sevim Baybaş
- Clinic of Neurology, Bakırköy Psychiatric Training and Research Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Dirican
- Clinic of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, Bakırköy Psychiatric Training and Research Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey
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Serafini A, Lukas RV, VanHaerents S, Warnke P, Tao JX, Rose S, Wu S. Paraneoplastic epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2016; 61:51-58. [PMID: 27304613 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2016.04.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2016] [Revised: 04/24/2016] [Accepted: 04/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Epilepsy can be a manifestation of paraneoplastic syndromes which are the consequence of an immune reaction to neuronal elements driven by an underlying malignancy affecting other organs and tissues. The antibodies commonly found in paraneoplastic encephalitis can be divided into two main groups depending on the target antigen: 1) antibodies against neuronal cell surface antigens, such as against neurotransmitter (N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA), alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA), gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)) receptors, ion channels (voltage-gated potassium channel (VGKC)), and channel-complex proteins (leucine rich, glioma inactivated-1 glycoprotein (LGI1) and contactin-associated protein-2 (CASPR2)) and 2) antibodies against intracellular neuronal antigens (Hu/antineuronal nuclear antibody-1 (ANNA-1), Ma2/Ta, glutamate decarboxylase 65 (GAD65), less frequently to CV2/collapsin response mediator protein 5 (CRMP5)). In this review, we provide a comprehensive survey of the current literature on paraneoplastic epilepsy indexed by the associated onconeuronal antibodies. While a range of seizure types can be seen with paraneoplastic syndromes, temporal lobe epilepsy is the most common because of the association with limbic encephalitis. Early treatment of the paraneoplastic syndrome with immune modulation/suppression may prevent the more serious potential consequences of paraneoplastic epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Serafini
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Rimas V Lukas
- Department of Neurology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Stephen VanHaerents
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Peter Warnke
- Section of Neurosurgery, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - James X Tao
- Department of Neurology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Sandra Rose
- Department of Neurology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Shasha Wu
- Department of Neurology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
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Bakpa OD, Reuber M, Irani SR. Antibody-associated epilepsies: Clinical features, evidence for immunotherapies and future research questions. Seizure 2016; 41:26-41. [PMID: 27450643 PMCID: PMC5042290 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2016.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2015] [Revised: 07/05/2016] [Accepted: 07/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The growing recognition of epilepsies and encephalopathies associated with autoantibodies against surface neuronal proteins (LGI1, NMDAR, CASPR2, GABABR, and AMPAR) means that epileptologists are increasingly asking questions about mechanisms of antibody-mediated epileptogenesis, and about the use of immunotherapies. This review summarizes clinical and paraclinical observations related to autoimmune epilepsies, examines the current evidence for the effectiveness of immunotherapy, and makes epilepsy-specific recommendations for future research. METHOD Systematic literature search with summary and review of the identified publications. Studies describing the clinical characteristics of autoantibody-associated epilepsies and treatments are detailed in tables. RESULTS Literature describing the clinical manifestations and treatment of autoimmune epilepsies associated with neuronal cell-surface autoantibodies (NSAbs) is largely limited to retrospective case series. We systematically summarize the features of particular interest to epileptologists dividing patients into those with acute or subacute encephalopathies associated with epilepsy, and those with chronic epilepsy without encephalopathy. Available observational studies suggest that immunotherapies are effective in some clinical circumstances but outcome data collection methods require greater standardization. CONCLUSIONS The clinical experience captured suggests that clusters of clinical features associate well with specific NSAbs. Intensive and early immunotherapy is indicated when patients present with autoantibody-associated encephalopathies. It remains unclear how patients with chronic epilepsy and the same autoantibodies should be assessed and treated. Tables in this paper provide a comprehensive resource for systematic descriptions of both clinical features and treatments, and highlight limitations of current studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ochuko D Bakpa
- Academic Neurology Unit, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2JF, UK
| | - Markus Reuber
- Academic Neurology Unit, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2JF, UK
| | - Sarosh R Irani
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK.
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Cimaz R, Meroni PL, Shoenfeld Y. Epilepsy as part of systemic lupus erythematosus and systemic antiphospholipid syndrome (Hughes syndrome). Lupus 2016; 15:191-7. [PMID: 16686257 DOI: 10.1191/0961203306lu2272rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is defined by the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL), demonstrated by ELISAs for antibodies against phospholipids and associated phospholipid-binding cofactor proteins and/or a circulating lupus anticoagulant (LA) together with diverse systemic clinical manifestations such as thrombosis, and recurrent spontaneous abortions. According to the criteria set out in Sydney1 the only neurological manifestations that can be suitable as APS classification criteria are ischemic events (stroke and transient ischemic attacks). However, other neurological manifestations, including seizures in particular, have been repeatedly reported in APS patients.2 The present review will summarize recent research on the association of aPL, as well as other autoantibodies, with seizure disorders, with or without concomitant SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Cimaz
- Department de Pédiatrie, Hôpital Herriot, and Universitè Claude Bernard Lyon 1, France.
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Baysal-Kirac L, Tuzun E, Altindag E, Ekizoglu E, Kinay D, Bilgic B, Tekturk P, Baykan B. Are There Any Specific EEG Findings in Autoimmune Epilepsies? Clin EEG Neurosci 2016; 47:224-34. [PMID: 26240088 DOI: 10.1177/1550059415595907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2015] [Accepted: 06/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
This study evaluated the EEG findings of patients whose seizures were associated with a possible autoimmune etiology. Our aim was to find clues to distinguish patients with antineuronal antibodies (Ab) through EEG studies. We reviewed our database and identified antineuronal Ab positive epilepsy patients with or without autoimmune encephalitis. These patients had Abs to N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) (n = 5), glycine receptor (GLY-R) (n = 5), contactin-associated protein-like 2 (CASPR-2) (n = 4), uncharacterized voltage-gated potassium channel complex (VGKC) antigens (n = 2), glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) (n = 2), Hu (n = 1), and amphiphysin (n = 1). The control group consisted of 21 seronegative epilepsy or encephalopathy patients with similar clinical features. EEG findings were compared between the groups in a blindfolded design. We did not find any significant difference in EEG findings between antineuronal Ab positive epilepsy patients and seronegative control group. It was remarkable that four seropositive but none of the seronegative patients presented with nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) or focal motor status epilepticus. Continuous theta and delta rhythms were observed in 5 (71%) seropositive patients with autoimmune encephalitis and 2 (25%) seronegative patients. Eight (40 %) seropositive patients showed a frontal intermittent rhythmic delta activity (FIRDA) pattern as opposed to 5 (24%) seronegative patients. Two patients with NMDAR Ab positivity showed rhythmic delta waves superimposed with beta frequency activity resembling "delta brush" pattern. EEG seems as a limited diagnostic tool in differentiating epilepsy and/or encephalopathy patients with a possible autoimmune etiology from those without. However, antineuronal Abs associated with encephalitis should be considered in the etiology of status epilepticus forms. A possible autoimmune etiology for seizures may be considered in the presence of continuous slow waves, FIRDA, and delta brush pattern in the EEG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leyla Baysal-Kirac
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Erdem Tuzun
- Department of Neuroscience, Research Institute of Experimental Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ebru Altindag
- Department of Neurology, Florence Nightingale Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Esme Ekizoglu
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Demet Kinay
- Department of Neurology, Okmeydanı Research and Training Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Basar Bilgic
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Pinar Tekturk
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Betul Baykan
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
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Patil SB, Roy AG, Vinayan KP. Clinical profile and treatment outcome of febrile infection-related epilepsy syndrome in South Indian children. Ann Indian Acad Neurol 2016; 19:188-94. [PMID: 27293328 PMCID: PMC4888680 DOI: 10.4103/0972-2327.173305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: To describe the clinical features and outcome of febrile infection-related epilepsy syndrome (FIRES), a catastrophic epileptic encephalopathy, in a cohort of South Indian children. Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of a cohort of children with previously normal development who presented with status epilepticus or encephalopathy with recurrent seizures following a nonspecific febrile illness during the period between January 2007 and January 2012. They were divided into two groups super refractory status epilepticus (SRSE) and refractory status epilepticus (RSE) depending on the duration and severity of the seizures. Key Findings: Fifteen children who met the inclusion criteria were included for the final analysis. The age of the children at presentation ranged 3-15 years (median 6.3 years). All the children presented with prolonged or recurrent seizures occurring 1-12 days (median 4 days) after the onset of fever. Eight children had SRSE while seven children had refractory seizures with encephalopathy. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis was done in all the children in the acute phase, and the cell count ranged 0-12 cells/μL (median 2 cells/μL) with normal sugar and protein levels. Initial neuroimaging done in all children (MRI in 10 and CT in 5), and it was normal in 13 children. Treatment modalities included multiple antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) (4-9 drugs) (median 5 drugs). Midazolam (MDZ) infusion was administered in seven patients. Eight patients required barbiturate coma to suppress the seizure activity. The duration of the barbiturate coma ranged 2-90 days (median 3 days). Steroids were used in 14 children and intravenous immunoglobulin (2 g/kg) in 7 children. Three children died in the acute phase. All children were maintained on multiple AEDs till the last follow-up, the number of AEDs ranged 1-6 (median 5 AEDs). The patients with super refractory status in the acute phase were found to be more severely disabled at the follow-up; the median score of these patients on the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) was 2 compared to 5 in the RSE group. Significance: This study reports one of the largest single center cohorts from India, with an adverse long-term developmental and seizure outcome. The duration and severity of seizures in the acute period correlated directly with the short-term and long-term clinical outcomes. There is an urgent need for developing new effective therapeutic strategies to treat this acute catastrophic epileptic syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep B Patil
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Neurology, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi, Kerala, India
| | - Arun Grace Roy
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Neurology, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi, Kerala, India
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Chou IC, Wang CH, Lin WD, Tsai FJ, Lin CC, Kao CH. Risk of epilepsy in type 1 diabetes mellitus: a population-based cohort study. Diabetologia 2016; 59:1196-203. [PMID: 27030312 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-016-3929-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2015] [Accepted: 02/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS Type 1 diabetes mellitus is a major public health problem of increasing global concern, with potential neurological complications. A possible association exists between type 1 diabetes and subsequent epilepsy. This study evaluated the relationship between type 1 diabetes and epilepsy in Taiwan. METHODS Claims data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database were used to conduct retrospective cohort analyses. The study cohort contained 2568 patients with type 1 diabetes, each of whom was frequency-matched by sex, urbanisation of residence area and index year with ten patients without type 1 diabetes. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was conducted to estimate the effects of type 1 diabetes on epilepsy risk. RESULTS In patients with type 1 diabetes, the risk of developing epilepsy was significantly higher than that in patients without type 1 diabetes (p < 0.0001 for logrank test). After adjustment for potential confounders, the type 1 diabetes cohort was 2.84 times as likely to develop epilepsy than the control cohort was (HR 2.84 [95% CI 2.11, 3.83]). CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION Patients with type 1 diabetes are at an increased risk of developing epilepsy. Metabolic abnormalities of type 1 diabetes, such as hyperglycaemia and hypoglycaemia, may have a damaging effect on the central nervous system and be associated with significant long-term neurological sequelae. The causative factors between type 1 diabetes and the increased risk of epilepsy require further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- I-Ching Chou
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, China Medical University Children's Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Hsing Wang
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, China Medical University Children's Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Pediatric Genetics, China Medical University Children's Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Wei-De Lin
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- School of Post Baccalaureate Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Fuu-Jen Tsai
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, China Medical University Children's Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Pediatric Genetics, China Medical University Children's Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Health and Nutrition Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Che-Chen Lin
- School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Management Office for Health Data, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hung Kao
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Science and School of Medicine, College of Medicine, China Medical University, No. 2, Yuh-Der Road, Taichung, 40447, Taiwan.
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.
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Flores-Cantu H, Camara-Lemarroy CR, Calderon-Hernandez HJ, Zapata-Rivera MA, Villareal-Perez JZ, Villareal-Velazquez HJ. Anti-GAD Antibody, Seizures, Cerebellar Ataxias and Vitiligo: A Diagnostic Challenge. THE CEREBELLUM 2016; 14:375-7. [PMID: 25575726 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-014-0625-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hazael Flores-Cantu
- Servicio de Neurologia, Hospital Universitario "Dr. José E. González". Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Madero y Gonzalitos S/N, 64460, Monterrey, NL, Mexico
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Wright S, Geerts AT, Jol-van der Zijde CM, Jacobson L, Lang B, Waters P, van Tol MJD, Stroink H, Neuteboom RF, Brouwer OF, Vincent A. Neuronal antibodies in pediatric epilepsy: Clinical features and long-term outcomes of a historical cohort not treated with immunotherapy. Epilepsia 2016; 57:823-31. [PMID: 26996997 PMCID: PMC4864754 DOI: 10.1111/epi.13356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In autoimmune encephalitis the etiologic role of neuronal cell-surface antibodies is clear; patients diagnosed and treated early have better outcomes. Neuronal antibodies have also been described in patients with pediatric epilepsy without encephalitis. The aim was to assess whether antibody presence had any effect on long-term outcomes in these patients. METHODS Patients (n = 178) were recruited between 1988 and 1992 as part of the prospective Dutch Study of Epilepsy in Childhood; none received immunotherapy. Healthy age-matched bone-marrow donors served as controls (n = 112). All sera were tested for serum N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR), alpha amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor, leucine rich glioma inactivated 1, contactin associated protein like 2 (CASPR2), contactin-2, glutamic acid decarboxylase, and voltage gated potassium channel (VGKC)-complex antibodies by standard techniques. No cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were available. Results were correlated with clinical data collected over 15 years. RESULTS Seventeen patients (9.5%) were positive for VGKC complex (n = 3), NMDAR (n = 7), CASPR2 (n = 4), and contactin-2 (n = 3), compared to three (3/112; 2.6%) healthy controls (VGKC complex [n = 1], NMDAR [n = 2]; p = 0.03; Fisher's exact test). Titers were relatively low (≤1:100 for cell-surface antibodies), but 8 (47%) of the 17 positive samples bound to the surface of live hippocampal neurons consistent with a potential pathogenic antibody. Preexisting cognitive impairment was more frequent in antibody-positive patients (9/17 vs. 33/161; p = 0.01). Fourteen antibody-positive patients were treated with standard antiepileptic drugs (AEDs); three (17%) became intractable but this was not different from the 16 (10%) of 161 antibody-negative patients. In 96 patients with available follow-up samples at 6 and/or 12 months, 6 of 7 positive antibodies had disappeared and, conversely, antibodies had appeared for the first time in a further 7 patients. SIGNIFICANCE Neuronal antibodies were found at low levels in 9.5% of patients with new-onset pediatric epilepsy but did not necessarily persist over time, and the development of antibodies de novo in later samples suggests they could be due to a secondary response to neuronal damage or inflammation. Moreover, as the response to standard AEDs and the long-term outcome did not differ from those of antibody-negative pediatric patients, these findings suggest that routine neuronal antibody testing is unlikely to be helpful in pediatric epilepsy. However, the higher incidence of preexisting cognitive problems in the antibody-positive group, the CASPR2 and contactin-2 antibodies in 7 of 17 patients, and the binding of 8 of 17 of serum samples to live hippocampal neurons suggest that neuronal antibodies, even if secondary, could contribute to the comorbidities of pediatric epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sukhvir Wright
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe University Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Ada T Geerts
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Leslie Jacobson
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe University Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Bethan Lang
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe University Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Patrick Waters
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe University Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Maarten J D van Tol
- Department of Pediatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Hans Stroink
- Departments of Pediatric Neurology and Neurology, Canisius Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Rinze F Neuteboom
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Oebele F Brouwer
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Angela Vincent
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe University Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Neuronal autoantibodies in epilepsy patients with peri-ictal autonomic findings. J Neurol 2016; 263:455-66. [DOI: 10.1007/s00415-015-8002-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2015] [Revised: 12/12/2015] [Accepted: 12/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Cyril AC, Nair SS, Mathai A, Kannoth S, Thomas SV. Autoimmune encephalitis: Clinical diagnosis versus antibody confirmation. Ann Indian Acad Neurol 2015; 18:408-11. [PMID: 26713011 PMCID: PMC4683878 DOI: 10.4103/0972-2327.165454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Context: Autoimmune encephalitis is a heterogeneous disorder which is being diagnosed with increasing frequency. The diagnosis of these disorders is based on the detection of autoantibodies and characteristic clinical profiles. Aims: We aimed to study the antibody profile in encephalitis patients with suspected autoimmune etiology presenting to a tertiary care center. Settings and Design: The subjects were selected by screening all patients with clinical profile suggesting autoimmune encephalitis admitted in the neuromedical intensive care unit (ICU) of a tertiary care center in South India. Materials and Methods: Patients who fulfilled modified Zuliani et al.'s, criteria for autoimmune encephalitis were identified during the period December 2009–June 2013. Blood samples from these subjects were screened for six neuronal antibodies. Statistical analysis used: Chi-square test was applied to compare the antibody positive and negative patients. Results: Out of 1,227 patients screened, 39 subjects (14 males: 25 females) were identified with a mean age of 15.95 years and 19 cases were assessed in the acute and 20 in the convalescent phase of the illness. Seizure (87.8 %) was the most common presenting symptom; status epilepticus occurred in 23 (60.5%) patients during the course of the illness. Fourteen (35.9%) patients were N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antibody-positive and all were negative for the other antibodies tested. Conclusions: One-third of patients presenting with acute noninfective encephalitis would be positive for NMDAR antibodies with the remaining two-thirds with clinically suspected autoimmune encephalitis being antibody-negative. There are few markers in the clinical and investigative profiles to distinguish antibody-positive and -negative patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asha Caroline Cyril
- Department of Neurology, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Trivandrum, Kerala, India
| | - Sruthi S Nair
- Department of Neurology, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Trivandrum, Kerala, India
| | - Annamma Mathai
- Department of Neuroimmunology, Amrita Institute for Medical Sciences, Cochin, Kerala, India
| | - Sudheeran Kannoth
- Department of Neuroimmunology, Amrita Institute for Medical Sciences, Cochin, Kerala, India
| | - Sanjeev V Thomas
- Department of Neurology, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Trivandrum, Kerala, India
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Abstract
This review reports the available evidence on the activation of the innate and adaptive branches of the immune system and the related inflammatory processes in epileptic disorders and the putative pathogenic role of inflammatory processes developing in the brain, as indicated by evidence from experimental and clinical research. Indeed, there is increasing knowledge supporting a role of specific inflammatory mediators and immune cells in the generation and recurrence of epileptic seizures, as well as in the associated neuropathology and comorbidities. Major challenges in this field remain: a better understanding of the key inflammatory pathogenic pathways activated in chronic epilepsy and during epileptogenesis, and how to counteract them efficiently without altering the homeostatic tissue repair function of inflammation. The relevance of this information for developing novel therapies will be highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annamaria Vezzani
- Department of Neuroscience, IRCSS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri," 20156 Milano, Italy
| | - Bethan Lang
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, United Kingdom
| | - Eleonora Aronica
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands SEIN-Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland, Heemstede 2103 SW, The Netherlands
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50
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Abstract
Despite the fact that epilepsy is the third most common chronic brain disorder, relatively little is known about the processes leading to the generation of seizures. Accumulating data support an autoimmune basis in patients with antiepileptic drug-resistant seizures. Besides, recent studies show that epilepsy and autoimmune disease frequently co-occur. Autoimmune epilepsy is increasingly recognized in the spectrum of neurological disorders characterized by detection of neural autoantibodies in serum or spinal fluid and responsiveness to immunotherapy. An autoimmune cause is suspected based on frequent or medically intractable seizures and the presence of at least one neural antibody, inflammatory changes indicated in serum or spinal fluid or on MRI, or a personal or family history of autoimmunity. It is essential that an autoimmune etiology be considered in the initial differential diagnosis of new onset epilepsy, because early immunotherapy assures an optimal outcome for the patient.
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