[Anti-NMDAR encephalopathy: treatment]

Use of therapeutic plasma exchange for pediatric neurological diseases

Therapeutic plasma exchange is used to treat neurological diseases in the pediatric population. Since its first use in pediatric patients with hepatic coma in the form of manual whole blood exchange, therapeutic plasma exchange has been increasingly used to treat these disorders of the nervous system. This expansion is a result of improved techniques and apheresis instruments suitable for small children, as well as the recognition of its applicability to many diseases in the pediatric population. This review provides a historical overview of the use of therapeutic apheresis in children and highlights the most common applications for therapeutic plasma exchange to treat neurological disorders in children.

NMDA receptor encephalitis--expanding the clinical spectrum

A young woman presented with memory problems of subacute onset. Imaging was normal. She was admitted with severe complex partial status epilepticus requiring intensive care support and ventilation. Fits proved difficult to control requiring high dose anticonvulsants. She developed a profound amnesic syndrome. A clinical diagnosis of autoimmune encephalitis was considered and she was treated with intravenous steroids with an excellent cognitive outcome. She continues to have occasional seizures.