Two Case Reports of Neuropsychological Outcomes following Pediatric anti-N-methyl D-aspartate Receptor Autoimmune Encephalitis

Dev Neuropsychol. 2018;43(7):656-668. doi: 10.1080/87565641.2018.1506456. Epub 2018 Aug 10.

Abstract

Anti-NMDAR autoimmune encephalitis is a rare neurological condition. Limited existing pediatric case studies have shown mild, but persisting, neuropsychological impairments. This report described neuropsychological functioning in two patients treated for anti-NMDAR autoimmune encephalitis. Patient A is a 16-year-old male (10 months after symptom onset) and Patient B is a 5-year-old female (45 months after symptom onset). Contrary to expectations, their cognitive profiles were largely intact, raising the possibility of minimal cognitive implications for some pediatric patients with this condition. Additional research is needed to identify factors that contribute to better cognitive outcomes in children with anti-NMDAR autoimmune encephalitis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Encephalitis*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cognition*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Time-to-Treatment