Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis in a Pregnant Woman

Perinatal outcome in anti-NMDAr encephalitis during pregnancy-a systematic review with individual patients' data analysis

INTRODUCTION

Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAr) antibody encephalitis is an autoimmune disorder characterized by synaptic NMDAr current disruption and receptor hypofunction, often affecting women during pregnancy. Clinical manifestations associated with anti-NMDAr encephalitis can occur both in the mother and fetus.

METHODS

We generated a systematic search of the literature to identify epidemiological, clinical, and serological data related to pregnant women with anti-NMDAr encephalitis and their children, analyzing the fetal outcomes. We examined the age and neurologic symptoms of the mothers, the presence of an underlying tumor, immunotherapies used during pregnancy, duration of the pregnancy, and type of delivery.

RESULTS

Data from 41 patients were extrapolated from the included studies. Spontaneous interruption of pregnancy, premature birth, and cesarean section were reported in pregnant women with NMDAr encephalitis. Several fetal and neonatal symptoms (e.g., movement disorders, spina bifida, poor sucking, respiratory distress, cardiac arrhythmias, infections, icterus, hypoglycemia, and low birth weight) depending on the mother's serum anti-NR1 concentration were also reported.

CONCLUSIONS

We characterized the outcomes of children born from mothers with anti-NMDAr encephalitis, analyzing the pivotal risk factors related to pregnancy and maternal disorder. Neuropsychiatric involvement seems strictly related to pathogenic NMDAr antibodies detected in maternal and/or neonatal serum. These findings clarify a complex condition to manage, outlining the risks associated with pregnant women with anti-NMDAr encephalitis and also providing a concrete guide for therapeutic strategies to prevent potential harm to the fetus and the child's neurodevelopment.

Autoimmune encephalitis during pregnancy: A diagnostic and therapeutic challenge-A systematic review with individual patients' analysis and clinical recommendations

Several reports have described the autoimmune encephalitis' (AE) possible onset during pregnancy. In this systematic review, we summarize the available data on the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to AE during pregnancy, highlighting the associated maternal and fetal clinical outcomes. A systematic search of the literature was performed. The following databases were used: PubMed, Google Scholar, EMBASE, and CrossRef. The revision was registered on the PROSPERO platform (CRD42022336357). Forty-nine patients were included. AE onset was mainly observed during the first and the second trimester of pregnancy with psychiatric manifestations and seizures as main onset symptoms. CSF analysis showed AE-specific autoantibody positivity in 33 patients (anti-NMDA receptor as the most frequent). EEG generally showed normal findings. MRI revealed pathological findings in less than half of patients. Tumor screening was positive in 14 cases. First-line immunotherapy (single or combined) was generally employed while second line was administered in a minority of patients. Levetiracetam was the most used antiseizure medication. Cesarean section was performed in 18 women. Most of the women had an excellent early outcome after delivery but 22 showed persistent neurological deficits in long-term follow-up. Fetal outcome was positive in 33 cases, whereas 12 cases of fetal death were reported. A logistic regression showed that no variable significantly influenced the odds of good/bad maternal and fetal clinical outcome. Diagnosis and treatment of AE during pregnancy is challenging. The rate of miscarriage in women with AE seems to be higher than the general population. In addition, mothers may show long-term neurological deficits.

The Management and Diagnosis of Anti-NMDA Receptor Autoimmune Encephalitis in Pregnant Women: A Case Report and Literature Review

Rationale: Anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis is a form of autoimmune synaptic encephalitis, often mediated by neuronal surface antibodies. Clinically, it manifests through a diverse range of neurological and psychiatric symptoms, primarily affecting young women with ovarian teratoma, which is rare in pregnant women. Patient concerns: We report a case of a 35-year-old multiparous pregnant patient at 38 weeks of gestation presented to the emergency room with seizure, psychiatric symptoms like delirious speech with mystical visual and auditory hallucinations, bradylalia, and retrograde amnesia. Diagnosis: The diagnosis of autoimmune encephalitis with anti-NMDA antibodies was concluded by considering the lumbar puncture results, brain imaging, and the patient's persistent symptoms. Outcomes: This case is noteworthy for its rarity and the symptoms' breadth. At 38 weeks of gestation, the patient underwent a cesarean section, resulting in excellent maternal recovery observed during the 6-month follow-up and good neonatal adaptation. Lessons: Our goals include raising awareness about this condition and emphasizing the significance of early diagnosis. This encephalitis is treatable and potentially reversible, underscoring the importance of prompt identification.

Pregnancy and antibody-mediated CNS disorders: What do we know and what should we know?

Antibody-mediated central nervous system (CNS) disorders including those associated with aquaporin-4 or myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein IgG and autoimmune encephalitis often affect women of childbearing age. Pathogenic antibodies of these diseases can potentially alter reproductive functions and influence fetal development. Hormonal changes occurring during pregnancy may modify the course of autoimmune diseases by influencing relapse risk, attack severity, and affect the delivery and postpartum period. Moreover, balancing treatment related safety issues with the risk of potentially disabling relapses during pregnancy and breastfeeding are major challenges. Intentional prenatal, gestational, and post-partum counseling is paramount to address these issues and mitigate these risks. Fortunately, new insights on risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes and possible preventive strategies are emerging. This review aims to summarize the interplay between antibody-mediated CNS disorders and pregnancy during the prenatal, gestational, and postpartum periods, highlight current treatment recommendations, and discuss future areas of research.

Anti N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAr) encephalitis during pregnancy: A case report

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Focal motor status epilepticus can be a presenting sign of anti-NMDA rencephalitis during pregnancy.

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After the immunomodulatory treatment, the patient showed only attention deficits with normal global cognition.

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The newborn presented normal birth weight kg with APGAR 10 with no sign of fetal distress nor major or minor malformations.

Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAr) antibody encephalitis is an autoimmune disorder characterized by reduced synaptic activity of the NMDAr due to circulating antibodies that target the NR1 subunit. Few cases of anti-NMDAR encephalitis during pregnancy have been described. The permeation of anti-NR1 antibodies through the placenta can be instrumental in the development of complications in newborns. We describe a case of a young woman suffering from anti-NMDAR encephalitis during the first trimester of pregnancy and focus on diagnostic and therapeutic management.

Research progress in teratoma-associated anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis: The gynecological perspective

AIM

Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis is one of the autoimmune encephalitis, which often occurs in children and young adults, especially in young women. In addition to viral infection, teratoma is an important causative factor. Anti-NMDAR encephalitis is well known to neurologist. However, this is less well known to gynecologists, who may have a decisive role in etiological management. Therefore, from the perspective of gynecologists, we provide an overview of the relationship between the encephalitis and ovarian teratoma, the clinical features and treatment of this disease, and prognosis of pregnant women with this encephalitis.

METHODS

We searched the PubMed database using the search terms in various combinations "teratoma," "dermoid cyst," "ovary," "ovarian," "anti-NMDAR encephalitis," and "N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor."

RESULTS

According to the current literature, the mechanism of anti-NMDAR encephalitis is probably due to the ectopic expression of the NMDAR in the teratomas tissue. The disease has a high mortality rate if not treated promptly and effectively. An important way to improve patients' outcome is to remove the ovarian tumor in time. Pregnant women are also at risk of developing anti-NMDAR encephalitis during pregnancy. The fetal outcome is usually better in patients with mid- to late-pregnancy onset than in early pregnancy, and patients are often able to maintain their pregnancies into late pregnancy.

CONCLUSION

Young women with sudden onset of abnormal psychiatric behavior should be actively screened for ovarian tumors and, if confirmed to be teratoma-associated anti-NMDAR encephalitis, should undergo gynecologic surgery as early as possible, which can help improve their prognosis.

Gender issues of antibody-mediated diseases in neurology: (NMOSD/autoimmune encephalitis/MG)

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), autoimmune encephalitis (AE), myasthenia gravis (MG) and Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) are antibody-mediated neurological diseases. They have mostly female predominance, affecting many women during childbearing age. Interactions between the underlying disease (or necessary treatment) and pregnancy can occur in every of these illnesses. Herein, we present the characteristics of NMOSD, AE, MG and LEMS in general, and review published data regarding the influence of the different diseases on fertility, pregnancy, puerperium, treatment strategy during pregnancy and post-partum period, and menopause but also male factors. We summarise key elements that should be borne in mind when confronted with such cases.

A case of NMDAR encephalitis treated in the third trimester - novel arterial spin labeling findings and a review of literature

Diagnosis and treatment of anti-NMDAR encephalitis during pregnancy are challenging. We report a case of anti-NMDAR encephalitis in a 28-year-old, 24 weeks pregnant woman. Her brain magnetic resonance imaging was normal, but arterial spin labeling (ASL) showed increased cerebral blood flow in the right insula and temporal area. She was successfully treated with emergent cesarean section and immunotherapies including intravenous immunoglobulin, steroids, and rituximab. The newborn was healthy and she recovered fully. Early suspicion and proper management is important in treatment of anti-NMDAR encephalitis during pregnancy. ASL can help diagnosing anti-NMDAR encephalitis during pregnancy.

Pregnancy outcomes in anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis: Case series

Objective

To report the effects of anti-NMDA receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis in pregnant patients and their babies.

Methods

We studied a retrospective cohort of patients who developed anti-NMDAR encephalitis during pregnancy or became pregnant while recovering from the encephalitis. In addition, we reviewed the English literature between 2010 and 2019 related to this topic.

Results

We studied 11 patients; 6 developed anti-NMDAR encephalitis during pregnancy, and 5 became pregnant while recovering. There were no obstetrical complications, but 6 (55%) babies were premature. Ten newborns were healthy, and 1 (9%) developed transient respiratory distress. Nine infants had assessable follow-up (median 18 months; range, 7–96 months), and all showed normal development. We identified 21 cases in the English literature. Obstetrical complications occurred in 7 (33%) pregnancies. Two patients died of septic shock (1 baby successfully delivered), another 2 had miscarriages, and in 2, the pregnancy was terminated. Sixteen babies (76%) were delivered, 9 (56%) premature. At birth, 13/16 (81%) newborns were healthy, 2/16 (13%) had transient neurologic or respiratory symptoms, and 1 (6%) died of brain edema. Follow-up (median 12 months; range, 6–36 months) was reported for 8 children: 7 (88%) showed normal development and behavior, and 1 (13%) cortical dysplasia. Immunotherapy was used during pregnancy in 7 (64%) of our patients and 18 (86%) of the reported cases, including rituximab in 4 cases, without adverse effects.

Conclusions

Patients who develop anti-NMDAR encephalitis during pregnancy or become pregnant during recovery often have obstetrical complications, but most of the newborns are healthy and appear to have normal development.

Neuroimmunologic disorders in pregnancy

Pregnancy influences the course of neuroimmunologic conditions, which include multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, and autoimmune encephalitis. The outcomes differ significantly for each disorder, reflecting the impact of hormonal changes, T-cell subsets, and placental factors on disease pathogenesis. In recent years, numerous data have emerged regarding MS activity throughout pregnancy and postpartum. Historically, the misconception that pregnancy worsens MS outcomes led patients to abstain from childbearing. Now, more women with these disorders, empowered by up-to-date information and better baseline disease control, are choosing to conceive. Nevertheless, the management of MS and related disorders in the pregnancy and postpartum period is complicated and requires a nuanced approach. Since standardized treatment guidelines around pregnancy are currently lacking, neurologists, together with obstetricians, must engage patients in a shared decision-making process that weighs the benefits to the mother and risks to the fetus. This chapter outlines the pathophysiology of neuroimmunologic disorders during pregnancy and postpartum, the impact of these diseases on childbearing, including fertility, pregnancy, delivery, and peurperium, as well as existing recommendations for treatment.

Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis: A review of pathogenic mechanisms, treatment, prognosis

Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (anti-NMDAR) encephalitis is a treatable autoimmune disorder characterized by prominent neuropsychiatric symptoms that predominantly affects children and young adults. In this review, we discuss the pathogenic mechanisms and immunologic triggers of anti-NMDAR encephalitis, and provide an overview of treatment and prognosis of this disorder, with specific focus on the management of common symptoms, complications, and patients during pregnancy. Most patients respond well to first-line treatment and surgical resection of tumors. When first-line immunotherapy fails, second-line immunotherapy can often improve outcomes. In addition, treatment with immunomodulators and tumor resection are effective treatment strategies for pregnant patients. Benzodiazepines are the preferred treatment for patients with catatonia, and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be considered when pharmacological treatment is ineffective. Age, antibody titer, cerebellar atrophy, levels of biomarkers such as C-X-C motif chemokine 13 (CXCL13), cell-free mitochondrial (mt)DNA in cerebral serum fluid (CSF), and timing from symptom onset to treatment are the main prognostic factors. Patients without tumors or those who receive insufficient immunotherapy during the first episode are more likely to relapse.

Anti–NMDAR encephalitis complicating pregnancy

Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis was first reported in 2005 in four patients with ovarian teratomas; there have been many further cases reported since the antigen for the NMDAR antibody was confirmed in 2007. Patients characteristically have a well-defined set of features, characterised by psychiatric disturbance, seizures and cognitive disturbance, followed by movement disorders, disorders of consciousness and dysautonomia. To date, 14 cases of NMDAR encephalitis have been described in the context of pregnancy. We report a case of NMDAR encephalitis in a 34-year-old woman at 8 weeks’ gestation. She had a turbulent clinical course and was initially admitted to a psychiatric unit. She was successfully treated with first-line immunomodulatory therapies and surgical resection of an ovarian teratoma. Following discharge she delivered a healthy baby and made a complete clinical recovery.

Evaluation of positive and negative predictors of seizure outcomes among patients with immune-mediated epilepsy: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to analyze published literature on autoimmune epilepsy and assess predictors of seizure outcome.

METHODS

From PubMed and EMBASE databases, two reviewers independently identified publications reporting clinical presentations, management and outcomes of patients with autoimmune epilepsy. A meta-analysis of 46 selected studies was performed. Demographic/clinical variables (sex, age, clinical presentation, epilepsy focus, magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] characteristics, time to diagnosis and initiation of immunomodulatory therapy, and type of immunomodulatory therapy) were compared between two outcome groups (responders and nonresponders). Clinical response was defined as >50% reduction in seizure frequency. Unstandardized effect sizes were collected for the studies for responder and nonresponder groups. Sample size was used as the weight in the meta-analysis. The random effects model was used to account for heterogeneity in the studies.

RESULTS

The 46 reports included 186 and 96 patients in responder and nonresponder groups respectively. Mean age of the responders and nonresponders was 43 and 31 years (p < 0.01). Responders were more likely to have cell-surface antibodies (68% versus 39%, p < 0.05), particularly voltage-gated potassium channel complex antibodies (p < 0.01). Mean duration from symptom onset to diagnosis, and symptom onset to initiation of immunomodulation was significantly lower among the responders (75 versus 431 days, p < 0.05, and 80 versus 554, p < 0.01, respectively). There was no outcome difference based on gender, MRI characteristics, seizure type, type of acute immunomodulatory therapy, or use of chronic immunomodulation.

CONCLUSIONS

Among published cases to date, older age, presence of cell-surface antibodies, early diagnosis and immunomodulatory treatment are associated with better seizure outcomes among patients with autoimmune epilepsy.