Prognostication for NMDAR Encephalitis

Patients with antibodies to the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (anti-NMDAR) encephalitis can be critically ill in the hospital for months but have the capacity for long-term recovery with appropriate treatment. Investigators identified 382 patients with NMDAR-antibody-positive encephalitis who had 1-year follow-up for analysis. Good functional status ranged from normal to slight disability but independent (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score 0–2). Poor recovery included patients with moderate to severe disability, requiring help with activities of daily living (mRS score ≥3).

At 1 year, 74% of the patients had good functional status. Of the remaining 26%, an additional 35% of those with follow-up recovered to good status at 2 years. Using multi…