April NEWSLETTER
Selected Highlighted News in the field of Autoimmune Encephalitis April 2019 2nd edition
Most popular article of the Month: Autoimmune Diseases and Psychotic Disorders Most Viewed/Shared Podcast of the Month: Autoimmune Encephalitis & the Role of Antibody Testing Most Popular IAES Handout: anti-NMDAr Encephalitis fact sheet Profile Frame for you FaceBook Picture: Raise awareness globally and easily, Most Shared Article of the Month: Recognizing psychiatric presentations of anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis in children and adolescents: A synthesis of published reports Clinician’s Corner: Center for Multiple Sclerosis and Autoimmune Neurologsy-Mayo Clinic FUNDRAISER: AE Zebra Brooch IAES Membership Program
Most popular article of the Month:
Autoimmune Diseases and Psychotic Disorders
Several large-scale epidemiologic (the incidence, distribution, and control of disease in a population), studies have found positive associations between autoimmune diseases and psychosis. Multiple sclerosis and lupus are known to have higher frequencies of neuropsychiatric symptoms, including psychosis, compared to healthy controls. This review summarizes the epidemiologic evidence on associations between autoimmune diseases and psychosis. Autoimmune Thyroid Disorders, Diabetes Type 1, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Autoimmune Encephalitis, Celiac Disease, and other Autoimmune Diseases are included in the discussion.
Additionally, Genetic risk factors, the impact of infections on both autoimmunity and the development of psychotic disorders, and the potential role of the microbiome are discussed, as well as the findings on and influence of autoantibodies and dysregulation of T- and B-cells in both disease categories, and why further research hereon is needed.
Most Shared Podcast in April: Autoimmune Encephalitis & the Role of Antibody Testing Podcast 18 minutes of listening. Dr. Irani and Dr. Maarten Titulaer discuss the importance of antibody testing for autoimmune encephalitis, treatments approaches, outcomes and the importance of early identification for best outcomes. This interview is outstanding for patients and physicians alike.
Most Popular IAES Handout of the Month: anti-NMDAr Encephalitis Fact Sheet. (all printable handouts are found on the Living with AE page of our website)
IAES FaceBook Profile Frame:
Let the world know about Autoimmune Encephalitis and where they can find help and information by using this profile frame. Your participation helps us spread awareness and directs people to the information they need.
Recognizing psychiatric presentations of anti-
NMDA receptor encephalitis in children and
adolescents: A synthesis of published reports
AIM of Research:
To improve early recognition of anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis (anti-NMDArE) in children and adolescents by identifying characteristic temporal patterns of clinical features in patients likely to be referred for psychiatric evaluation. 167 cases of patients under 19 years old were reviewed. Clinical outcomes following prompt immunotherapy are usually good, but delayed treatment often results in a protracted course with significant residual disability or death. Anti-NMDArE frequently mimics psychiatric disorders, so most patients are referred initially to a psychiatrist and treated for days or weeks before being correctly diagnosed.
CONCLUSION:
Clinicians need to suspect this disorder if new behavioral symptoms arise in the context of a recent viral prodrome, or if they are accompanied by dyskinesias, seizures or insomnia, or if psychiatric symptoms are unusual (e.g., non-verbal auditory hallucinations).
Clinician’s Corner
AUTOIMMUNE ENCEPHALITIS
Autoimmune encephalitis represents a complex category of disease with diverse immunological associations and clinical manifestations. The Center for Multiple Sclerosis and Autoimmune Neurology at Mayo Clinic is recognized as a leader in the field of autoimmune encephalitis clinical care and research.
Our clinicians and researchers are committed to discovering novel biomarkers and diagnostic clues and developing more-effective treatment strategies, helping instill optimism in patients with autoimmune encephalitis.
Recent progress in research on autoimmune encephalitis includes:
Artist, Julia King, has created this brooch from her original artwork of her ‘excited zebra’. Each order placed will result in a $5 donation to IAES in support of our mission.
International Autoimmune Encephalitis Society has just launched a Membership Program:
You can now become a card carrying Member of IAES and support our mission through a membership pledge. A stunning membership card has been artfully designed for each category. There are 5 distinct membership categories: Basic, Sustaining, Leadership Circle, Gold and Life Time. Additionally, IAES will be sending a small thank you gift that has been specifically chosen for each category, as a token of our appreciation for your pledge of support.
Your donations are greatly appreciated. Every dollar raised allows us to raise awareness and personally help Patients, Families and Caregivers through their Journey with AE so that best outcomes may be reached. Your contribution to our mission will help save a life and improve the quality of lives for others. Be a part of the solution by supporting IAES.
International Autoimmune Encephalitis Society (IAES) is a Family/Patient centered organization that assists members from getting a diagnosis through to recovery and the many challenges experienced in their journey.
Driven by the knowledge that “Education is Power”, International Autoimmune Encephalitis Society manages an educational support group for patients diagnosed with Autoimmune Encephalitis and their loved ones, empowering them to be strong self-advocates and advocates that will lead them to best outcomes and recovery. We are the premiere organization leading in these vital roles. Raising awareness of Autoimmune Encephalitis across the many specialties of medicine that come in contact with these disorders and with the general public to ensure a timely and accurate diagnosis resulting in an aggressive treatment plan for best outcomes.
“Empowering victims of Autoimmune Encephalitis and their caregivers through Support and Education”.
