Early initiation of intravenous cyclophosphamide and one-year outcome in super-refractory cryptogenic-new onset refractory status epilepticus

Abstract

To explore the potential efficacy of early initiation of intravenous cyclophosphamide (IVCPA), we reviewed consecutive four cases of super-refractory cryptogenic-new onset refractory status epilepticus (C-NORSE) between 2015 and 2023. We compared functional outcomes at 3 months and 1 year after the onset between patients who received IVCPA within 20 days (early-treated) and those who received it later (late-treated). All patients (median age: 43 years) had a prodromal fever. Brain MRI revealed symmetrically increased FLAIR signals in the medial temporal lobes of all patients. Despite initiating antiseizure medications (ASMs) and first-line immunotherapy (intravenous-methylprednisolone and immunoglobulins) within a median of 3 days from onset, SE persisted >5 days. The diagnosis of C-NORSE was suggested based on a high C-NORSE score (6/6). Thus, all patients received IVCPA a median of 15.5 days after seizure onset (three within 20 days and one at 31 days). One of the three early-treated patients also received tocilizumab. Early-treated patients exhibited shorter sedation periods (median 29 vs. 75 days) and better 1 year functional status (mRS 1–2 vs. mRS 4) compared to the late-treated patient. Early initiation of IVCPA and/or tocilizumab, along with ASMs, may contribute to a better one-year functional status in super-refractory C-NORSE patients.

Plain Language Summary

This study demonstrates the potential efficacy of early administration of intravenous cyclophosphamide on one-year functional status in patients with super-refractory cryptogenic-new onset refractory status epilepticus. “Early-treated patients” who received it within 20 days of seizure onset achieved a good one-year functional status. The “late-treated patient” (Case 4) who received it later did not achieve a good functional status. Early initiation of cyclophosphamide, along with antiseizure medications, may contribute to a better one-year functional status in this population.