November NEWSLETTER
Selected Highlighted News in the field of Autoimmune
Encephalitis November 2018 2nd edition
In this Issue: Video presentation on AE by Dr. Eoin Flanagan of Mayo Clinic. Study of Children with anti-NMDAr encephalitis and long lasting deficits. The Truth about Hospital Billing-over pay NO MORE. The distinct cluster of psychiatric symptoms in the anti-NMDAr encephalitis patient not commonly seen in functional psychoses. LGI1 AE and reversible memory deficits
For a Greater Understanding of AE take the time to listen to this 38 minute video presentation which explains what is known as of today. Dr. Eoin Flanagan of Mayo Clinic gave an outstanding presentation on autoimmune encephalitis at the Seattle Science Foundation to fellow physicians Nov 8th. Included: Prevalence, how the disease develops. Presents cases of different types of AE and treatment course including most recent antibodies in AE and Seronegative AE (aka antibody negative). Explains cell surface antibodies and intracellular antibodies Discusses the expanding spectrum of autoimmune encephalitis includes post infectious and immune checkpoint inhibitor.
Neuropsychological And Psychopathological Profile Of Anti-Nmdar
Encephalitis: A Possible Pathophysiological Model For Pediatric
Neuropsychiatric Disorders
Dr Tom Pollak’s comment about this research: “Papers focusing on psychiatric phenomenology of NMDAR antibody encephalitis coming thick and fast now – this one on children. Interestingly reports a child with new-onset OCD in the recovery period, something we’ve seen in adults.”
Seven children diagnosed with anti-NMDAR encephalitis a neuropsychological and psychological/behavioral standardized examination within one month after discharge and subsequently were followed up longitudinally for mean 35 months (range 24–48 months). Collected neuropsychological data were evaluated retrospectively.
Results
Deficits in attention, executive functions and/or visual motor functions involving executive functions were seen in all children within one month after discharge. These deficits were long lasting in about a half of the patients. In addition, four patients developed persistent psychopathological dysfunctions: difficulties to regulate their own behavior, impulsivity, hyperactivity, irritability, apathy, and obsessive-compulsive symptoms.
Learn the True Cost of Health Care – Hospital Billing
Every one of us is affected by the cost of medical care in the U.S.A., even with medical insurance. You may be over paying on your medical bill. Did you know that there are discounts available to you? No one is telling you that. Did you know that if you have Medicare Part A you will never pay more than $1,260 for ANY hospital stay less than 60 days?
Learn the truth about hospital billing. This article includes a 5-minute video presentation that explains the game hospitals play with insurance companies.
The Psychiatric Phenotype of Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis
Just Published. (Abstract is only available at this time.)
Patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis present with a somewhat distinct cluster of psychiatric symptoms not commonly seen in functional psychoses. When encountered, this atypical pattern should warrant further investigation and a high index of suspicion for anti-NMDAR encephalitis. The more prominent psychotic features in younger adults may reflect greater susceptibility of the young brain to exogenous psychosis. Author Tom Pollak’s comment: “Finally, we found that only 1/3 of patients were admitted to a psychiatric unit prior to diagnosis – this is lower than initial series (70% or more: note some of these counted any contact with Mental Health services, not just admissions). Perhaps due to better awareness amongst doctors?”
For those with LGI1 AE – “Overall, these findings demonstrate that patient-derived IgG disrupt presynaptic and postsynaptic LGI1 signaling, causing neuronal hyperexcitability, decreased plasticity, and reversible memory deficits.”
What experts have to say about this paper: Cambridge Neuroimmunology: “Fantastic dissection of the effects of LGI1 antibodies from patients with Autoimmune Encephalitis. My main take-aways: these antibodies impede synaptic plasticity and LTP by separate mechanism from Kv blockade and the cause irreversible memory loss.”
Dr. Irani, out of the Oxford group: “Exciting study to prove the clinically convincing pathogenicity of these antibodies. But why don’t mice get seizures?”
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”.
