Outcome of Pediatric Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA) Receptor Encephalitis in Rural Area of Thailand

Anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis has a very good outcome; however, there are few reports in developing countries regarding the outcome of pediatric anti-NMDAR encephalitis. We aimed to report the clinical outcome of pediatric anti-NMDAR encephalitis in the rural area of Thailand. This retrospective cohort study recruited children between the age of 1 month and 15 years with the diagnosis of anti-NMDAR encephalitis admitted at Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital from 1st May 2015 to 31th March 2020. Baseline characteristics and investigation were recorded. The first-line treatment was intravenous pulse methylprednisolone alone, pulse methylprednisolone plus intravenous immune globulin (IVIG), or IVIG alone. The second-line treatment was monthly intravenous cyclophosphamide or azathioprine. The modified Rankin Scale (MRS) was used for evaluation at 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after receiving first-line treatment to determine clinical outcomes. The factors that may affect the outcomes were evaluated. In total, 17 patients were recruited, with the mean age of 8 years, and 76.46% were female. 82.35% of patients developed seizures, and 52.94% turned to status epilepticus. 70.59% received first-line treatment as pulse methylprednisolone plus IVIG. 82.35% received complete follow-up at 12 months. According to MRS score, at first diagnosis 94.12% reported severe disability, at 1 month after receiving treatment, 47.06% improved to moderate–mild disability, and at 6 and 12 months, 40% and 78.57% had complete recovery, respectively. Different types of first-line and second-line treatments did not affect the clinical outcome. Comorbidity of status epilepticus affected MRS. Anti-NMDAR encephalitis has a very good prognosis; prompt diagnosis is necessary. Comorbidity as status epilepticus may affect the clinical outcome.