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Fattahzadeh Ardalani G, Samady Khanghah A, Jahanpanah M, Mokhtari D, Samady Khanghah P. Successfully treated anti-GAD limbic encephalitis in a 15-year-old diabetic boy with intravenous immunoglobulin: case report. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2024; 86:1173-1181. [PMID: 38333287 PMCID: PMC10849452 DOI: 10.1097/ms9.0000000000001653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction and importance Limbic encephalitides (LE) have symptoms and signs of new-onset seizures accompanied by cognitive impairment and signal changes in the MRI of the limbic system in the brain. Numerous antibodies against the neurons and synapses have been detected so far. Of those, antiglutamic acid decarboxylase antibody (Anti-GAD Ab) impairs the gamma amino butyric acid, one of the primary mediators that naturally prevents abnormal neuronal activity causing seizure. Case presentation The authors have reported a case of anti-GAD Ab LE in a diabetic male adolescent who responded dramatically to intravenous immunoglobulin and reviewed all similar pediatric cases for 15 years now. Clinical discussion The symptoms in children suffering from anti-GAD LE in three categories, systemic, psychiatric, and neurological, are heterogeneous. The most common manifestations were seizures followed by altered mental status and behavioral changes, respectively. The two main clinical scenarios described in GAD65-mediated autoimmune epilepsy are (1) an acute/subacute onset of seizures alone or seizures (including new-onset refractory status epilepticus, NORSE) accompanied by some degrees of cognitive and psychiatric manifestations, including amnesia and mesiotemporal inflammatory involvement consistent with LE and (2) epilepsy without clinical or MRI evidence of active central nervous system inflammation. Conclusion Although rare, the neurologist should consider the potential role of anti-GAD ab-associated encephalitis in the presence of diabetes mellitus.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mohammad Jahanpanah
- Department of Genetics and Pathology
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences
| | - Diana Mokhtari
- Department of Genetics and Pathology
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences
| | - Parisa Samady Khanghah
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran
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Sapana T, Li W, Tian F, Yan W, Dou B, Hua S, Zhuo Z. A case report of anti-GAD65 antibody-positive autoimmune encephalitis in children associated with autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type-II and literature review. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1274672. [PMID: 38077387 PMCID: PMC10703372 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1274672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) is the rate-limiting enzyme for the synthesis of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. Antibodies against glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) are associated with various neurologic conditions described in patients, including stiff person syndrome, cerebellar ataxia, refractory epilepsy, and limbic and extra limbic encephalitis. While there are few case reports and research on anti-GAD65 antibody-associated encephalitis in adults, such cases are extremely rare in pediatric cases. Methods For the first time, we report a case of anti-GAD65-positive autoimmune encephalitis associated with autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome (APS) type II. We reviewed previously published pediatric cases of anti-GAD65 autoimmune encephalitis to discuss their clinical features, laboratory tests, imaging findings, EEG patterns, and prognosis. Case presentation An 8-year-old, male child presented to the outpatient department after experiencing generalized convulsions for twenty days. The child was admitted for epilepsy and had received oral sodium valproate (500 mg/day) in another center, where investigations such as USG abdomen and MRI brain revealed no abnormalities, however, had abnormal EEG with diffuse mixed activity in the left anterior middle prefrontal temporal region. On the follow-up day, a repeat blood test showed a very low serum drug concentration of sodium valproate hence the dose was increased to 750 mg/day. Then, the child experienced adverse effects including increased sleep, thirst, and poor appetite, prompting the parents to discontinue the medication. A repeat MRI showed increased signals on FLAIR sequences in the right hippocampus hence admitted for further management. The child's past history included a diagnosis of hypothyroidism at the age of 4, and receiving levothyroxine 75 mcg once daily. His parents are healthy with no history of any similar neurological, autoimmune, or genetic diseases, but his uncle had a history of epilepsy. At presentation, he had uncontrolled blood glucose levels with elevated HbA1c levels. Additionally, the serum and CSF autoantibodies were positive against the anti-GAD65 antibody with the titer of 1:100 and 1:32 respectively. The patient was managed with a mixed type of insulin regimen and received first-line immunotherapy (intravenous immunoglobulin, IVIG) for five consecutive days, followed by oral prednisone and sodium valproate as an antiepileptic drug. Upon achieving a favorable clinical outcome, the patient was discharged with oral medications. Results Among the 15 pediatric patients reported in this literature, nine presented with limbic encephalitis (LE), three with extralimbic encephalitis (ELE), and three with a combination of limbic and extralimbic encephalitis. Most of these cases exhibited T2-W FLAIR hyperintensities primarily localized to the temporal lobes in the early phase, progressing to hippocampal sclerosis/atrophy in the later phase on MRI. EEG commonly showed slow or spike waves on frontotemporal lobes with epileptic discharges. Prognostic factors varied among patients, with some experiencing persistent refractory seizures, type-1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), persistent memory impairment, persistent disability requiring full assistance, and, in severe cases, death. Conclusion Our findings suggest that anti-GAD65 antibody-positive autoimmune encephalitis patients may concurrently present with other APS. Our unique case presented with multiple endocrine syndromes and represents the first reported occurrence in children. Early diagnosis and timely initiation of immunotherapy are crucial for improving clinical symptoms and reducing the likelihood of relapses or permanent disabilities. Therefore, emphasis should be placed on prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment implementation to achieve better patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamang Sapana
- Department of Pediatric, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Pediatric, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Fengyan Tian
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Wenhao Yan
- Department of Pediatric, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Binghua Dou
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Shuang Hua
- Department of Pediatric, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Zhihong Zhuo
- Department of Pediatric, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
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Hou JY, Liu HU, Kuo CY, Liu YH, Lin JJ, Hsieh MY, Hung PC, Cheng YT, Su IC, Wang HS, Chou IJ, Lin KL. The clinical relevance of anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies in children with encephalitis/encephalopathy. Front Neurosci 2023; 16:1081580. [PMID: 36817097 PMCID: PMC9932768 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.1081580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase (anti-GAD) antibodies are associated with different types of syndromes. However, few studies have investigated the correlation between anti-GAD antibody titers with clinical severity and outcomes in children with encephalitis/encephalopathy. In this single-center retrospective cohort study, we consecutively enrolled hospitalized children who had encephalitis and/or encephalopathy with positive anti-GAD antibodies in serum and/or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from February 2010 to October 2021. Thirty-seven patients were included and divided into high-titer and low-titer groups. The patients with high anti-GAD antibody titers were associated with initial symptoms of language difficulty and ataxia. The level of titers was not associated with severity or outcomes. Anti-GAD antibody titers decreased after immunotherapy, however, the clinical response to immunotherapy was variable. A transient elevation in anti-GAD antibody titers during immunotherapy was noted. Further studies are warranted to investigate the role of anti-GAD antibodies in the pathogenesis and immune mechanisms of encephalitis/encephalopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju-Yin Hou
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatric, Chang Gung Children’s Hospital and Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Uei Liu
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatric, Chang Gung Children’s Hospital and Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Yen Kuo
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatric, Chang Gung Children’s Hospital and Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hsuan Liu
- Division of Pediatric Critical Care and Pediatric Neurocritical Care Center, Chang Gung Children’s Hospital and Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Jainn-Jim Lin
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City, Taiwan,Division of Pediatric Critical Care and Pediatric Neurocritical Care Center, Chang Gung Children’s Hospital and Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Meng-Ying Hsieh
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatric, Chang Gung Children’s Hospital and Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan City, Taiwan,College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Po-Cheng Hung
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatric, Chang Gung Children’s Hospital and Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan City, Taiwan,College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ting Cheng
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatric, Chang Gung Children’s Hospital and Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - I-Chen Su
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatric, Chang Gung Children’s Hospital and Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Huei-Shyong Wang
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatric, Chang Gung Children’s Hospital and Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan City, Taiwan,College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - I-Jun Chou
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatric, Chang Gung Children’s Hospital and Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan City, Taiwan,College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City, Taiwan,I-Jun Chou,
| | - Kuang-Lin Lin
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatric, Chang Gung Children’s Hospital and Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan City, Taiwan,College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City, Taiwan,*Correspondence: Kuang-Lin Lin,
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Abstract
Autoimmune encephalitis is a group of central nervous system (CNS) inflammatory disorders that most commonly affect young adults and children. These disorders are closely associated with antibodies against neuronal cell-surface proteins, receptors, and ion channels; however, some forms of the disorder have no known antibody at this time. In children, neurological manifestations such as seizure, movement disorders, and focal neurological deficits are more prominent at initial presentation than psychiatric or behavioral symptoms. When psychiatric symptoms do occur, they often manifest as temper tantrums, aggression, agitation, and rarely psychosis. Prompt diagnosis and early treatment can lead to improved outcomes and decreased relapses. First-line therapies include intravenous steroids, intravenous immunoglobulin, and plasmapheresis, whereas rituximab and cyclophosphamide are utilized for refractory or relapsing disease. This review highlights the different forms of this disorder, discusses approach to diagnosis and treatment, and reviews the outcome and prognosis of children diagnosed with different forms of autoimmune encephalitis.
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Herbulot L, Bost C, Viguier A, Faure-Marie N, Baudou E, Cheuret E. Stiff Person Syndrome and Encephalitis with GAD Antibodies with Severe Anterograde Amnesia in an Adolescent: A Case Study and Literature Review. Neuropediatrics 2022; 53:136-139. [PMID: 34905789 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1739134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Antiglutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD65) encephalitis is rare and few pediatric cases have been reported, with variable clinical presentations. A 14-year-old female adolescent was managed in our department. She had been treated for several months for drug-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy and gradually presented major anterograde amnesia with confusion. Upon her arrival at the University Hospital Centre, she showed a classical form of stiff person syndrome. The brain magnetic resonance imaging showed bitemporal hyperintensities and hypertrophy of the amygdala. The blood and cerebrospinal fluid were positive for GAD65 antibodies. At 2 years of immunosuppressive treatment and rehabilitation, the course showed partial improvement of the memory and neuropsychiatric impairment, and epilepsy that continued to be active. GAD65 antibodies are associated with various neurological syndromes, and this presentation combining limbic encephalitis and stiff person syndrome is the first pediatric form published to date; there are also few cases described in adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Léa Herbulot
- Neuropaediatric Unit, Hôpital des Enfants, CHU Toulouse [Children's Hospital, Toulouse University Hospital], Toulouse, France
| | - Chloé Bost
- Immunology Laboratory, IFB [Federal Institute of Biology], CHU Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Agnès Viguier
- Neuropaediatric Unit, Hôpital des Enfants, CHU Toulouse [Children's Hospital, Toulouse University Hospital], Toulouse, France
| | - Nathalie Faure-Marie
- Referral Center for Language and Learning Disorders, Hôpital des Enfants, CHU Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Eloïse Baudou
- Neuropaediatric Unit, Hôpital des Enfants, CHU Toulouse [Children's Hospital, Toulouse University Hospital], Toulouse, France
| | - Emmanuel Cheuret
- Neuropaediatric Unit, Hôpital des Enfants, CHU Toulouse [Children's Hospital, Toulouse University Hospital], Toulouse, France
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Harmon A, Stingl C, Rikhi A, Tran L, Pizoli C, Malinzak M, Van Mater H. Pediatric GAD-65 Autoimmune Encephalitis: Assessing Clinical Characteristics and Response to Therapy With a Novel Assessment Scale. Pediatr Neurol 2022; 128:25-32. [PMID: 35032887 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2021.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) encephalitis is a neuroinflammatory disease characterized by a broad range of symptoms including cognitive deficits, behavioral changes, and seizures. Children with this disorder have heterogeneous presentations, and little is known about symptom progression over time and response to immunotherapy. METHODS This study reports 10 pediatric GAD encephalitis cases and symptoms found at presentation and follow-up. In addition, symptom severity was reported utilizing a novel scale evaluating functional outcomes across the domains affected by autoimmune encephalitis including cognition, language, seizures, psychiatric symptoms, sleep, and movement. Retrospective chart review was conducted for 10 patients aged <18 years, diagnosed with GAD encephalitis, and followed for one year or more. Chart review included clinical, imaging, and laboratory findings at time of diagnosis and at six- and 12-month follow-ups. RESULTS At presentation, cognitive deficits were found in all patients, seizures in six of 10, and language decline in seven of 10. Psychiatric symptoms were prominent for all but one patient with three of nine patients presenting with psychosis. Fatigue, sleep disruption, and movement disorders were less prominent symptoms, occurring in approximately half of the cohort. Cognition and fatigue improved significantly over time when compared with symptom severity, whereas seizures, psychiatric symptoms, and sleep did not. Language and sleep showed improvement only in early stages. Analysis of seizure frequency and type noted variability mirroring trends noted in adult studies of GAD encephalitis. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated the variability of symptom profiles of pediatric GAD encephalitis and benefits of symptom severity scales. Symptom profiles and progression vary in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Harmon
- Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Cory Stingl
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Aruna Rikhi
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Linh Tran
- Division of Child Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Carolyn Pizoli
- Division of Child Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Michael Malinzak
- Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Heather Van Mater
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina.
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AlMuslamani A, Taha M. Thalamic Lesions in a Toddler with Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase Autoimmune Encephalitis. Journal of Pediatric Neurology 2021. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1716912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
AbstractWe present a child with glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) autoimmune encephalitis (AE) with bilateral thalamic lesions on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain. A healthy 21-month-old girl, after superrefractory status epilepticus (SE) and fever developed dyskinesia and ataxia, which we subsequently diagnosed as GAD AE. She showed remarkable response to treatment with methylprednisolone and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg). Following an initial normal MRI of her brain, a further brain imaging showed bilateral thalamic lesions. This is an unusual finding since brain imaging abnormalities, when found in GAD AE, mostly involve the mesial temporal lobe structures. Thalamic lesions in GAD AE have not been reported previously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahood AlMuslamani
- Department of Pediatrics, King Hamad University Hospital, Muharraq, Kingdom of Bahrain
| | - Mohamed Taha
- Department of Pediatrics, King Hamad University Hospital, Muharraq, Kingdom of Bahrain
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Ren C, Ren H, Ren X, Zhang W, Li J, Dai L, Guan H, Fang F. Case Report: Autoimmune Encephalitis Associated With Anti-glutamic Acid Decarboxylase Antibodies: A Pediatric Case Series. Front Neurol 2021; 12:641024. [PMID: 33912125 PMCID: PMC8072212 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.641024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Antibodies against glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) are associated with various neurologic conditions described in patients, including stiff person syndrome, cerebellar ataxia, refractory epilepsy, and limbic and extralimbic encephalitis. There have been some case reports and investigations regarding anti-GAD65 antibody-associated encephalitis in adult populations, but pediatric cases are rare. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of three anti-GAD65 antibody-positive patients to explore the diversity and clinical features of anti-GAD65 antibody-associated pediatric autoimmune encephalitis. Methods: The clinical data of a series of three patients positive for anti-GAD65 antibody were retrospectively analyzed. GAD65 antibodies were determined in serum and CSF using a cell-based assay. Results: All three patients were female, and the onset ages were 4 years and 9 months, 6 years, and 16 years old. Their clinical phenotypes included autoimmune limbic encephalitis, extralimbic encephalitis, and encephalitis combining limbic and extralimbic encephalitis. The clinical symptoms included seizures, memory deficits, drowsiness, dysautonomia, and headache. All patients had abnormal carinal MRI and EEG. All patients received immunotherapy and had transiently good responsiveness, but one patient then experienced relapse. In follow-up, one patient with extralimbic encephalitis recovered completely, while two patients with limbic involvement had poor outcomes with refractory focal epilepsy. Conclusion: In addition to limbic encephalitis, extralimbic encephalitis is also an important phenotype in patients who are positive for anti-GAD65 antibodies. Early diagnosis and immunotherapy can improve the symptoms. However, patients with limbic encephalitis often have refractory epilepsy in the chronic phase and have a poor long-term outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changhong Ren
- Department of Neurology, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Haitao Ren
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaotun Ren
- Department of Neurology, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Weihua Zhang
- Department of Neurology, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiuwei Li
- Department of Neurology, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Lifang Dai
- Department of Neurology, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hongzhi Guan
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Fang Fang
- Department of Neurology, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Kern K, Shuster BA. Rare presentation of anti-GAD-65 antibody-positive autoimmune encephalitis and simultaneous onset of type 1 diabetes mellitus in a paediatric patient. BMJ Case Rep 2021; 14:14/3/e237913. [PMID: 33737275 PMCID: PMC7978330 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2020-237913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
A 16-year-old female patient presented with subacute onset of headaches, changes in acute mental status, expressive aphasia and auditory hallucinations. New oedema and enhancement of the temporal lobe were seen on brain MRI, with correlating subclinical seizures seen on electroencephalogram. Simultaneously, our patient was diagnosed with new-onset type 1 diabetes mellitus, with positive anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase (anti-GAD-65) antibodies in the serum. Cerebrospinal fluid studies remained negative, including anti-GAD-65 antibodies. Clinical remission was achieved with corticosteroids and intravenous immunoglobulins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Kern
- Pediatrics, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Brooke A Shuster
- Pediatrics, Inova Fairfax Hospital/Inova Children's Hospital Health Sciences Library, Falls Church, VA, USA
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Shu Y, He D, Ma X, Li J, Wu H, Chen C, Lu Z, Petersen F, Qiu W, Yu X. Infiltration of plasma cells in colorectal adenocarcinoma associated with autoimmune encephalitis. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2021; 8:498-503. [PMID: 33400852 PMCID: PMC7886041 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Paraneoplastic autoimmune encephalitis (PAE) represents a group of rare neurological syndromes associated with neoplastic diseases. Here, we report a case that multiple anti‐neuronal antibodies were present in a patient with PAE who developed both small cell lung cancer and colorectal adenocarcinoma. Furthermore, the immunopathological investigation of the colorectal adenocarcinoma revealed the formation of abnormal neuronal antigens and a massive infiltration of plasma cells in the tumor tissue. These findings support the hypothesis that expression of neuronal antigens in neoplasm initiates autoimmune responses in PAE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqing Shu
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Priority Area Asthma and Allergy, Research Center Borstel, Airway Research Center North (ARCN), German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Borstel, Germany
| | - Dan He
- Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyu Ma
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianfang Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haotian Wu
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhengqi Lu
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Frank Petersen
- Priority Area Asthma and Allergy, Research Center Borstel, Airway Research Center North (ARCN), German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Borstel, Germany
| | - Wei Qiu
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinhua Yu
- Priority Area Asthma and Allergy, Research Center Borstel, Airway Research Center North (ARCN), German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Borstel, Germany
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Li X, Guo Q, Zheng Z, Wang X, Liu S. Immune-mediated epilepsy with GAD65 antibodies. J Neuroimmunol 2020; 341:577189. [PMID: 32087461 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2020.577189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Anti-GAD65 antibodies have been identified in both acute/subacute seizures (limbic encephalitis and extralimbic encephalitis) and chronic isolated epilepsy. The evidence of high serum titers and intrathecal synthesis play a fundamental role in diagnosis but poorly correlate with disease severity or response to therapies. It remains controversial whether anti-GAD65 Abs are the pathogenic entity or only serve as a surrogate marker for autoimmune disorders mediated by cytotoxic T cells. Unlike other immune-mediated epilepsy, although multiple combinations of therapeutics are used, the efficacy and prognosis of patients with GAD65-epilepsy patients are poor. Besides, GAD65-epilepsy is more prone to relapse and potentially evolve into a more widespread CNS inflammatory disorder. This article reviews the recent advances of GAD65-epilepsy, focusing on the diagnosis, epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical features, and treatment, to better promote the recognition and provide proper therapy for this condition.
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12
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Li TR, Zhang YD, Wang Q, Shao XQ, Li ZM, Lv RJ. Intravenous methylprednisolone or immunoglobulin for anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 antibody autoimmune encephalitis: which is better? BMC Neurosci 2020; 21:13. [PMID: 32228575 PMCID: PMC7106675 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-020-00561-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients positive for anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 (GAD65) antibodies have attracted increasing attention. Their clinical manifestations are highly heterogeneous and can be comorbid with tumors. Currently, there is no consensus on the therapeutic regimen for anti-GAD65-associated neurological diseases due to the clinical complexity, rarity and sporadic distribution. We reported six anti-GAD65 autoimmune encephalitis (AE) patients who received intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) or immunoglobulin (IVIG) or both. Then, we evaluated the therapeutic effect of both by summarizing results in previous anti-GAD65 AE patients from 70 published references. RESULTS Our six patients all achieved clinical improvements in the short term. Unfortunately, there was no significant difference between IVMP and IVIG in terms of therapeutic response according to the previous references, and the effectiveness of IVMP and IVIG was 45.56% and 36.71%, respectively. We further divided the patients into different subgroups according to their prominent clinical manifestations. The response rates of IVMP and IVIG were 42.65% and 32.69%, respectively, in epilepsy patients; 60.00% and 77.78%, respectively, in patients with stiff-person syndrome; and 28.57% and 55.56%, respectively, in cerebellar ataxia patients. Among 29 anti-GAD65 AE patients with tumors, the response rates of IVMP and IVIG were 29.41% and 42.11%, respectively. There was no significant difference in effectiveness between the two regimens among the different subgroups. CONCLUSION Except for stiff-person syndrome, we found that this kind of AE generally has a poor response to IVMP or IVIG. Larger prospective studies enrolling large numbers of patients are required to identify the optimal therapeutic strategy in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao-Ran Li
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University; China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, 119 South Fourth Ring West Road, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100070, People's Republic of China.,Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, 45 Chang Chun Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100053, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu-Di Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University; China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, 119 South Fourth Ring West Road, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100070, People's Republic of China.,Department of Neurology, the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Hebei Medical University, 215 Heping West Road, Xinhua District, Shijiazhuang, 050000, People's Republic of China
| | - Qun Wang
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University; China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, 119 South Fourth Ring West Road, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100070, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Qiu Shao
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University; China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, 119 South Fourth Ring West Road, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100070, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Mei Li
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University; China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, 119 South Fourth Ring West Road, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100070, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui-Juan Lv
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University; China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, 119 South Fourth Ring West Road, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100070, People's Republic of China.
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13
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Abstract
Background Autoimmune encephalitides with neural and glial antibodies have become an attractive field in neurology because the antibodies are syndrome-specific, explain the pathogenesis, indicate the likelihood of an underlying tumor, and often predict a good response to immunotherapy. The relevance and the management of antibody-associated encephalitides in the pediatric age group are to be discussed. Main body Subacutely evolving, complex neuropsychiatric conditions that are otherwise unexplained should raise the suspicion of autoimmune encephalitis. Determination of autoantibodies is the key diagnostic step. It is recommended to study cerebrospinal fluid and serum in parallel to yield highest diagnostic sensitivity and specificity. The most frequently found antibodies are those against the N-methyl-D-asparate receptor, an antigen on the neural cell surface. The second most frequent antibody is directed against glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 kDa, an intracellular protein, often found in chronic conditions with questionable inflammatory activity. Immunotherapy is the mainstay of treatment in autoimmune encephalitides. Steroids, apheresis and intravenous immunoglobulin are first-line interventions. Rituximab or cyclophosphamide are given as second-line treatments. Patients with surface antibodies usually respond well to immunotherapy whereas cases with antibodies against intracellular antigens most often do not. Conclusion With few exceptions, the experience in adult patients with autoimmune encephalitides can be applied to patients in the pediatric age range.
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Affiliation(s)
- C G Bien
- Epilepsy Center Bethel, Krankenhaus Mara, Maraweg 17-21, 33617 Bielefeld, Germany.,Laboratory Krone, Bad Salzuflen, Germany
| | - C I Bien
- Laboratory Krone, Bad Salzuflen, Germany
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14
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Abstract
Plasma exchange has been widely used in autoimmune neurological diseases and is the standard treatment for myasthenia gravis crisis and Guillain-Barre syndrome. A growing body of research suggests that, in the clinical application of steroid-responsive encephalopathy, such as for Hashimoto's encephalopathy, limbic encephalitis, systemic lupus erythematosus encephalopathy, ANCA-associated vasculitis encephalopathy, and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, plasma exchange is a safe, and effective option when steroids or other immunosuppressive therapies are ineffective in the short term or when contraindications are present. Additionally, plasma exchange can also be used alone or in combination with steroids, immunoglobulins, or other immunosuppressive agents to treat steroid-responsive encephalopathy. This paper reviews the clinical application of plasma exchange in steroid-responsive encephalopathy, including its indications, onset time, course, curative effects, and side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Jiang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xin Tian
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yixue Gu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Feng Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xuefeng Wang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Center of Epilepsy, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
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15
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Ben Achour N, Ben Younes T, Rebai I, Ben Ahmed M, Kraoua I, Ben Youssef-Turki I. Severe dysautonomia as a main feature of anti-GAD encephalitis: Report of a paediatric case and literature review. Eur J Paediatr Neurol 2018; 22:548-551. [PMID: 29370977 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpn.2018.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2017] [Revised: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 01/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase (anti-GAD65) antibodies are a rare cause of autoimmune encephalitis. This entity is mainly recognized in adults and very few cases were reported in children. We report on a paediatric case of anti-GAD encephalitis with severe presentation and uncontrollable dysautonomia. CASE STUDY A 9-year-old girl was referred to our department for refractory seizures and behavioral disturbances. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was normal. Repeat screening for antineuronal antibodies showed negative results for anti-NMDA receptor antibodies but positive results for anti-GAD65 with a low positivity of anti-Ma2 antibodies. Although a transient improvement was noticed after immunomodulatory treatment, the patient developed severe intractable autonomic imbalance including dysrythmia, alternating bradycardia/tachycardia, hypotension/hypertension, hypothermia/hyperthermia and hyperhidrosis. She deceased six months after onset. CONCLUSION Our report intends to raise awareness of autoimmune encephalitis with anti-GAD65 antibodies which may involve extralimbic brain regions and manifest with fatal dysautonomia. We highlight the need for prompt diagnosis and aggressive management for this underdiagnosed entity in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nedia Ben Achour
- Research Unit UR12 SP24 and Department of Child and Adolescent Neurology, National Institute Mongi Ben Hmida of Neurology, Tunis, Tunisia; Université de Tunis El Manar, Faculté de Médecine de Tunis, 1007, Tunis, Tunisia.
| | - Thouraya Ben Younes
- Research Unit UR12 SP24 and Department of Child and Adolescent Neurology, National Institute Mongi Ben Hmida of Neurology, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Ibtihel Rebai
- Research Unit UR12 SP24 and Department of Child and Adolescent Neurology, National Institute Mongi Ben Hmida of Neurology, Tunis, Tunisia; Université de Tunis El Manar, Faculté de Médecine de Tunis, 1007, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Melika Ben Ahmed
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Institut Pasteur, Tunis, Tunisia; Université de Tunis El Manar, Faculté de Médecine de Tunis, 1007, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Ichraf Kraoua
- Research Unit UR12 SP24 and Department of Child and Adolescent Neurology, National Institute Mongi Ben Hmida of Neurology, Tunis, Tunisia; Université de Tunis El Manar, Faculté de Médecine de Tunis, 1007, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Ilhem Ben Youssef-Turki
- Research Unit UR12 SP24 and Department of Child and Adolescent Neurology, National Institute Mongi Ben Hmida of Neurology, Tunis, Tunisia; Université de Tunis El Manar, Faculté de Médecine de Tunis, 1007, Tunis, Tunisia
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16
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Akın O, Kılınç Uğurlu A, Akbaş ED, Döğer E, Akbaş Y, Bideci A, Yüce Ö, Gücüyener K, Çamurdan MO, Karabacak N, Cinaz P. Autoimmune Limbic Encephalitis Associated with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. J Clin Res Pediatr Endocrinol 2017; 9:387-388. [PMID: 28720552 PMCID: PMC5785649 DOI: 10.4274/jcrpe.3818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Onur Akın
- Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Ankara, Turkey
,* Address for Correspondence: Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Ankara, Turkey Phone: +90 312 304 15 85 E-mail:
| | - Aylin Kılınç Uğurlu
- Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Emine Demet Akbaş
- Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Esra Döğer
- Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Yılmaz Akbaş
- Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatric Neurology, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Aysun Bideci
- Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Özge Yüce
- Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Kıvılcım Gücüyener
- Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatric Neurology, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Mahmut Orhun Çamurdan
- Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Neşe Karabacak
- Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Peyami Cinaz
- Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Ankara, Turkey
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17
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Abstract
A 52 year-old female with no significant medical problems presented with left-sided weakness, unsteady gait and speech disturbance. It was thought that she had neuro-inflammation and she remained clinically stable. Several years later, she was diagnosed with latent autoimmune diabetes of adulthood. Her neurological symptoms deteriorated and she was admitted into hospital. The cerebrospinal fluid was normal, as were an array of blood tests. Imaging tests, including magnetic resonance imaging, computerised tomography and positron emission tomography scans were normal. However, her anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody serum level, which had been taken in the diabetes outpatient clinic, returned at 2,000,000 IU/mL (normal range 0-10). This led to the diagnosis of glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) positive cerebellar ataxia. She was treated with plasma exchange and intravenous immunoglobulins and over next 12 weeks her symptoms improved. Our case highlights the need for appropriate treatment of patients with GAD positive cerebellar ataxia to achieve good outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca J Ward
- University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust, Stoke-on-Trent, UK
| | | | - Biju Jose
- University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust, Stoke-on-Trent, UK
| | - Roby J Abraham
- University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust, Stoke-on-Trent, UK
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18
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Ganelin-Cohen E, Modan-Moses D, Hemi R, Kanety H, Ben-zeev B, Hampe CS. Epilepsy and behavioral changes, type 1 diabetes mellitus and a high titer of glutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies. Pediatr Diabetes 2016; 17:617-622. [PMID: 26711844 PMCID: PMC4927419 DOI: 10.1111/pedi.12346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2015] [Revised: 11/20/2015] [Accepted: 11/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoantibodies to the 65 kDa isoform of glutamate acid decarboxylase (GAD65Ab) are associated with a range of clinical disorders, including type 1 diabetes (T1D) and stiff-person syndrome (SPS). In this article we describe a young girl who was diagnosed with T1D at the end of her first year of life and developed drug-resistant epilepsy 18 months later, followed by behavioral disturbances. She was admitted to our center at the age of 5 yr, at which time high GAD65Ab titers were detected in the patient's serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The titer remained elevated during 19 months of follow-up. Furthermore, GAD65Ab in both serum and CSF showed epitope binding characteristics similar to those observed for GAD65Ab in SPS patients, and GAD65Ab in the serum reduced GAD65 enzyme activity. Our results suggest an association between high GAD65Ab titers and epilepsy in children with T1D. Careful titration and characterization of GAD65Ab regarding inhibition of enzyme activity and epitope specificity may be helpful in identifying T1D patients at risk for neurological complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Ganelin-Cohen
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, The Edmond and Lily Safra Children's Hospital, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat-Gan, Israel. .,The Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel.
| | - Dalit Modan-Moses
- The Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel,Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes Unit, The Edmond and Lily Safra Children’s Hospital, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Rina Hemi
- Institute of Endocrinology, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Hannah Kanety
- Institute of Endocrinology, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Bruria Ben-zeev
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, The Edmond and Lily Safra Children’s Hospital, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat-Gan, Israel,The Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel
| | - Christiane S. Hampe
- Department of Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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19
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Grilo E, Pinto J, Caetano JS, Pereira H, Cardoso P, Cardoso R, Dinis I, Pereira C, Fineza I, Mirante A. Type 1 diabetes and GAD65 limbic encephalitis: a case report of a 10-year-old girl. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab 2016; 29:985-90. [PMID: 27115322 DOI: 10.1515/jpem-2016-0016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2016] [Accepted: 03/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Limbic encephalitis is a rare neurological disorder that may be difficult to recognize. Clinical features include memory impairment, temporal lobe seizures and affective disturbance. We report the case of a 10-year-old girl with type 1 diabetes mellitus that presented with seizures, depressed mood and memory changes. The diagnosis of glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 (GAD65) mediated limbic encephalitis relied on cerebral magnetic resonance imaging lesions and high serological and cerebrospinal fluid GAD65-antibodies titers. High-dose steroidal therapy was started with clinical improvement. Relapse led to a second high-dose steroid treatment followed by rituximab with remission. A correlation between serum GAD65-antibodies levels and symptoms was found, demonstrating GAD65-antibodies titers may be useful for clinical follow-up and immunotherapy guidance. This report raises awareness of this serious neurological condition that may be associated with type 1 diabetes, underlining the importance of an early diagnosis and prompt treatment for a better prognosis.
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20
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The differential diagnosis of encephalitis in childhood is vast, and evaluation for an etiology is often unrevealing. Encephalitis by way of autoimmunity has long been suspected, as in cases of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis; however, researchers have only recently reported evidence of antibody-mediated immune dysregulation resulting in clinical encephalitis. MAIN FINDINGS These pathologic autoantibodies, aimed at specific neuronal targets, can result in a broad spectrum of symptoms including psychosis, catatonia, behavioral changes, memory loss, autonomic dysregulation, seizures, and abnormal movements. Autoimmune encephalitis in childhood is often quite different from adult-onset autoimmune encephalitis in clinical presentation, frequency of tumor association, and ultimate prognosis. As many of the autoimmune encephalitides are sensitive to immunotherapy, prompt diagnosis and initiation of appropriate treatment are paramount. CONCLUSIONS Here we review the currently recognized antibody-mediated encephalitides of childhood and will provide a framework for diagnosis and treatment considerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Nicholas Brenton
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Neurology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia.
| | - Howard P Goodkin
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Neurology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
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21
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Abstract
AbstractRecently, many cases of autoimmune limbic encephalitis with positive GAD65 (glutamic acid decarboxylase) antibodies have been described in the scientific literature. However, it remains an understudied topic of great relevance to practicing neurologists. Thus, we report here a review of published cases, in English, of autoimmune limbic encephalitis with this type of antibodies, focusing on presenting symptoms and signs, associated conditions, and findings upon investigation. We also report treatment responses. We aim to offer a better description of the clinical spectrum of autoimmune limbic encephalitis associated with GAD65 antibodies as well as to expose its paraclinical features and outcome.
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22
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Abstract
Autoimmune neurologic diseases are of major clinical importance in children. Antibody-mediated diseases of the central nervous system are now increasingly recognized in childhood, where the antibodies bind to cell surface epitopes on neuronal or glial proteins, and the patients demonstrate either focal or more generalized clinical signs depending on the extent of brain regions targeted by the antibodies. The antibodies are directed towards ion channels, receptors, and membrane proteins; and the diseases include limbic encephalitis and N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor-antibody encephalitis, among many others. Additionally there are conditions where the wider immune system is implicated. Neurologic features like seizures, movement disorders, autonomic dysfunction, and sleep disorders, with neuroimaging and electrophysiologic features, may indicate a specific antibody-mediated or immune disorder. Often, phenotypic overlap is observed between these conditions, and phenotypic variation seen in children with the same condition. Nevertheless, many patients benefit from immunotherapy with substantial improvement, although huge efforts are still required to optimize the outcome for many patients. In many patients no antibodies have yet been identified, even though they respond to immunotherapies. Here we describe the known antibodies and associated diseases, discuss conditions that are thought to be immune-mediated but have no known immunologic biomarker, and provide guidelines for the investigation and classification of these disorders.
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23
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Abstract
Limbic encephalitis (LE) is an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system that is characterized by the selective involvement of limbic structures. The clinical manifestations of LE include the acute or sub-acute onset of recent memory disorders, mental disorders and seizures. Autoimmune-mediated LE is a major type of non-infectious LE; seizure is a hallmark of this type of LE. The treatment of epilepsy, which is a key factor that affects the prognosis of LE patients, warrants special attention. Understanding the characteristics of epilepsy caused by autoimmune-mediated LE and providing the appropriate treatment will help to improve patients' outcomes. In this article, we extensively review the literature related to autoimmune-mediated LE epidemiology, mechanisms, characteristics and seizure frequency and onset, and we discuss the possible diagnosis and treatment of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingxia Lin
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
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24
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Incecik F, Hergüner OM, Yıldızdaş D, Horoz O, Besen S. Limbic encephalitis with antibodies to glutamic acid decarboxylase presenting with brainstem symptoms. Ann Indian Acad Neurol 2015; 18:243-5. [PMID: 26019430 PMCID: PMC4445208 DOI: 10.4103/0972-2327.150628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2014] [Revised: 12/16/2014] [Accepted: 12/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Limbic encephalitis (LE) is a neurological syndrome that may present in association with cancer, infection, or as an isolate clinical condition often accompanying autoimmune disorders. LE associated with glutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies (anti-GAD) is rare in children. Here, we characterized the clinical and laboratory features of a patient presenting with brainstem involvement with non-paraneoplastic LE associated with anti-GAD antibodies. In our patient, after plasma exchange, we determined a dramatic improvement of the neurological deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faruk Incecik
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Cukurova University Faculty of Medicine, Adana, Turkey
| | - Ozlem M Hergüner
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Cukurova University Faculty of Medicine, Adana, Turkey
| | - Dincer Yıldızdaş
- Department of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Cukurova University Faculty of Medicine, Adana, Turkey
| | - Ozden Horoz
- Department of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Cukurova University Faculty of Medicine, Adana, Turkey
| | - Seyda Besen
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Cukurova University Faculty of Medicine, Adana, Turkey
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25
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Farooqi MS, Lai Y, Lancaster E, Schmitt SE, Sachais BS. Therapeutic plasma exchange and immunosuppressive therapy in a patient with anti-GAD antibody-related epilepsy: quantification of the antibody response. J Clin Apher 2014; 30:8-14. [PMID: 24961613 DOI: 10.1002/jca.21342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2013] [Revised: 05/26/2014] [Accepted: 06/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Antibodies to glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) have been associated with a host of neurological disorders including stiff person syndrome, cerebellar ataxia, limbic encephalitis, and epilepsy. Whether anti-GAD antibodies have an etiological role in these neurological disorders or simply serve as disease markers is unclear. Here, we report a case of a patient with recurrent seizures, poorly responsive to conventional treatment, associated with anti-GAD antibodies. The patient was experiencing near daily seizures at the time of presentation and had marked improvement while receiving immunosuppressive therapy and therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE). We go on to show that the patient had a substantial reduction of her GAD autoantibody burden following this therapy. Using immunostaining, we further demonstrate a progressive loss of GAD reactivity in the patient's sera to neurons and GAD-expressing HELA cells with successive TPEs. Hence, these data support the concept of an immune-mediated pathogenic component to these autoantibody-associated neurological syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Midhat S Farooqi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104
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26
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Lin KL, Wang HS. Role of antineuronal antibodies in children with encephalopathy and febrile status epilepticus. Pediatr Neonatol 2014; 55:161-7. [PMID: 24050844 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedneo.2013.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2013] [Revised: 07/03/2013] [Accepted: 07/16/2013] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Status epilepticus in childhood is more common, with a different range of causes and a lower risk of death, than convulsive status epilepticus in adults. Acute central nervous system infections appear to be markers for morbidity and mortality. Nevertheless, central nervous infection is usually presumed in these conditions. Many aspects of the pathogenesis of acute encephalitis and acute febrile encephalopathy with status epilepticus have been clarified in the past decade. The pathogenesis is divided into direct pathogens invasion or immune-mediated mechanisms. Over the past few decades, the number of antineuronal antibodies to ion channels, receptors, and other synaptic proteins described in association with central nervous system disorders has increased dramatically, especially their role in pediatric encephalitis and status epilepticus. These antineuronal antibodies are divided according to the location of their respective antigens: (1) intracellular antigens, including glutamic acid decarboxylase and classical onconeural antigens such as Hu (antineuronal nuclear antibody 1, ANNA1), Ma2, Yo (Purkinje cell autoantibody, PCA1), Ri (antineuronal nuclear antibody 2, ANNA2), CV2/CRMP5, and amphiphysin; and (2) cell membrane ion channels or surface antigens including voltage-gated potassium channel receptor, N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor, α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor, γ-aminobutyric acid(B) receptor, leucine-rich glioma-inactivated protein 1, and contactin-associated protein-like 2. Identifying the mechanism of the disease may have important therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuang-Lin Lin
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Chang Gung Children's Hospital and Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Huei-Shyong Wang
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Chang Gung Children's Hospital and Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
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27
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Mishra N, Rodan LH, Nita DA, Gresa-Arribas N, Kobayashi J, Benseler SM. Anti-glutamic Acid decarboxylase antibody associated limbic encephalitis in a child: expanding the spectrum of pediatric inflammatory brain diseases. J Child Neurol 2014; 29:677-83. [PMID: 24092895 DOI: 10.1177/0883073813500527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase directed antibodies are a rare cause of autoimmune limbic encephalitis that is relatively resistant to immunotherapy. Here we report a 15-year-old boy with nonparaneoplastic, anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase limbic encephalitis presenting with subacute headache, memory disturbance, psychiatric symptoms, and seizures. At onset, his memory disturbance manifested as transient global amnesia-like episodes. Clinical remission was achieved with rituximab, intravenous immunoglobulin, and corticosteroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Navin Mishra
- 1Division of Neurology, Department of Paediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
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28
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Abstract
The pathogenesis of acute encephalitis is divided into either direct infection or by immune-mediated inflammation, but the cause is still unknown. This retrospective study aimed to screen antineuronal antibodies in children with severe acute encephalitis. Thirty-four children (22 boys and 12 girls) underwent assessments such as antineuronal antibodies survey for autoimmune encephalitis and polymerase chain reaction/viral culture and antibody assays for all commonly recognized causes of infectious encephalitis. Sixteen (47.1%) were positive for autoantibodies, including antiglutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies in 16 and voltage-gated potassium channel complex antibodies in 1. Sixteen patients (47.1%) had presumed infectious etiologies, including 6 with influenza, 6 with Mycoplasma pneumoniae, 3 with enterovirus, and 1 with herpes simplex virus. In this study, influenza and Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection are the main presumed causes of severe acute encephalitis in children, although an immune-mediated mechanism may also play a role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jainn-Jim Lin
- 1Division of Pediatric Neurology, Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, Chang Gung University, College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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29
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Abstract
Apart from Rasmussen encephalitis, other immune-mediated brain disorders have emerged that are frequently associated with recurrent epileptic seizures: (1) limbic encephalitis, (2) anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate-receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis, and (3) steroid-responsive encephalopathy associated with autoimmune thyroiditis (SREAT, formerly called Hashimoto encephalopathy). Limbic encephalitis mainly affects the mediotemporal aspect of the cortex giving rise to temporal lobe seizures and memory and affective disturbances. It can occur as a paraneoplastic or, even more frequently, a nonparaneoplastic condition. Detection of specific autoantibodies may suggest underlying cancer (onconeural antibodies) and may give hints regarding the long-term prognosis. VGKC-complex or GAD antibodies have been identified in children. Anti-NMDAR encephalitis is a disorder mainly of female adolescents and young adults. Patients present with seizures in around one-third of cases, and 80% of patients develop recurrent, mainly extratemporal seizures at some stage of their disorder. The clinical course is that of a mostly monophasic, but sometimes multiphasic, severe cortico-subcortical encephalopathy. Ovarian teratomas underlie the disorder in 30-60% of adult cases but are rare in young children. Tumor removal and early intense immunotherapy are predictors for a favorable outcome. SREAT is not a disorder with definite pathogenesis but rather a "catch all" for encephalopathic immune-mediated brain diseases (often with seizures) which have in common thyroid antibodies and a good response to steroid therapy.
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Ozkan M, Aksoy A, Çenesiz F, Atay NE, Yüksel D. The association of anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies with different neurological findings in childhood. Epilepsy Behav 2012; 25:464-7. [PMID: 22995927 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2012.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2012] [Revised: 08/04/2012] [Accepted: 08/06/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Glutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies can rarely be associated with various neurological syndromes, which are usually present in adults. Here, we present 2 affected children. Our first patient had a diagnosis of epilepsy and presented with continuous involuntary movements and multifocal myoclonic seizures following an infection at the age of 9 months. Anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies were found in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid. A partial response was obtained from intravenous immunoglobulin, steroid, and plasmapheresis treatment. The other patient presented with a clinical picture of acute cerebellar ataxia and mutism at the age of 6 years and recovered fully following intravenous immunoglobulin treatment. Neurological findings due to anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies may be more common in children than previously thought, and achieving an early diagnosis can be important for prompt treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehpare Ozkan
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Dr. Sami Ulus Children's Health and Diseases Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
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Lin JJ, Lin KL, Hsia SH, Wang HS, Chou IJ, Lin YT. Antiglutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies in children with encephalitis and status epilepticus. Pediatr Neurol 2012; 47:252-8. [PMID: 22964438 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2012.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2012] [Accepted: 06/20/2012] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Encephalitis may present with seizures or status epilepticus, and the etiology is usually presumed. Specific antibodies to ion channels, receptors, and other synaptic proteins were identified during the past decade. However, only a few studies investigated antiglutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies and antibodies to cell membrane ion channels or surface antigens in pediatric encephalitis and status epilepticus. We examined antibodies to glutamic acid decarboxylase and cell membrane ion channels or surface antigens in acute-phase serum from 17 children with encephalitis and status epilepticus. Antiglutamic acid decarboxylase antibody titers were compared with those of control children manifesting therapy-resistant epilepsy. Antiglutamic acid decarboxylase antibody titers were significantly higher in those with encephalitis and status epilepticus than in those with therapy-resistant epilepsy. No patient demonstrated antibodies to cell membrane ion channels or surface antigens. Six children exhibited positive antiglutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies. One child died, three manifested postencephalitic epilepsy with neurologic deficits, and two recovered well. Higher antiglutamic acid decarboxylase antibody titers were evident in the children with encephalitis and status epilepticus. Clinicians should be aware of the potential role of antiglutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies in children with encephalitis and status epilepticus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jainn-Jim Lin
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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Millichap JG. Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase Autoantibodies-Related Encephalitis. Pediatr Neurol Briefs 2011. [DOI: 10.15844/pedneurbriefs-25-9-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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