Anti-NMDAR Encephalitis — Now Recognized in Boys and Girls

Anti-NMDAR encephalitis can affect boys and girls and is not always associated with ovarian teratomas.

Anti–N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis is associated with neurological and psychiatric symptoms and usually is reported in women with ovarian teratomas. In this U.S. multicenter case series, investigators describe 32 children and adolescents (age range, 23 months to 18 years) identified prospectively in 2008 with neurological symptoms, encephalitis, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) antibodies to the NR1 subunit of NMDAR.

The cases included 26 girls and 6 boys. Nearly half (48%) had prodromal symptoms, including fever, headache, upper respiratory symptoms, vomiting, or diarrhea; 87% presented with mood, behavior, or personality changes. By the time of admission, many children had anxiety, speech problems, and hallucinations. Dur…

Reviewing Author

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)