Diagnostic and management dilemmas in Pediatric Autoimmune encephalitis

Speaker: Tipu Sultan
When: Saturday, February 8, 2025
Time: 09:00 AM Eastern Time ( US/ Canada )

About Topic:
Central nervous system inflammatory disorders are always diagnostic challenges due to wide differential diagnosis. Newly recognized anti-neuronal antibody-mediated disorders such as anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDA) encephalitis have become an important diagnostic consideration in children presenting with severe newly acquired neuropsychiatric symptoms. The clinical course of anti-NMDA-receptor antibody encephalitis is preceded by a nonspecific prodromal stage leading to psychiatric symptoms or abnormal movements. Prompt recognition and treatment may reverse the condition, hastening recovery and limiting neurological morbidity. In very young children, clinical presentation is less well-defined and poses a diagnostic challenge particularly when presenting with prominent psychiatric symptoms. The diagnosis relies on testing for anti-NMDA antibodies. However, early recognition is crucial, since it is treatable and early treatment is found to be tightly linked to prognosis. A high index of suspicion is required when assessing children presenting with a combination of psychosis, seizures, movement disorder and/or autonomic instability. Early recognition and treatment may reverse the deficits and prevent permanent brain injury. In the very young child, presentation is either one of status epilepticus or behavioural seizure mimics that can be challenging.

Learning Objectives:
Participants shall be able to
• Diagnose
• Classify
• Treatment selection and escalation
• Follow-up and maintenance therapy