{"title":"Intrathecal treatment of Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate receptor encephalitis: a promising approach for refractory cases.","authors":"Xiaobo Yang","doi":"10.1007/s10072-025-08134-6","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis is a severe neurological disorder. While standard treatments work for many patients, up to 25% are resistant to these treatments. In such challenging cases, there is growing interest in using intrathecal approaches.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A narrative review of relevant papers was conducted.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Case reports and case series have demonstrated the successful use of intrathecal methotrexate, either alone or in combination with steroids, particularly in pediatric patients. Additionally, intrathecal rituximab has shown promise in select cases.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Although outcomes vary, this approach appears to be safe and has the potential to rescue refractory cases.</p>","PeriodicalId":19191,"journal":{"name":"Neurological Sciences","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7000,"publicationDate":"2025-03-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Neurological Sciences","FirstCategoryId":"3","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-025-08134-6","RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q2","JCRName":"CLINICAL NEUROLOGY","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background: Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis is a severe neurological disorder. While standard treatments work for many patients, up to 25% are resistant to these treatments. In such challenging cases, there is growing interest in using intrathecal approaches.
Methods: A narrative review of relevant papers was conducted.
Results: Case reports and case series have demonstrated the successful use of intrathecal methotrexate, either alone or in combination with steroids, particularly in pediatric patients. Additionally, intrathecal rituximab has shown promise in select cases.
Conclusions: Although outcomes vary, this approach appears to be safe and has the potential to rescue refractory cases.
期刊介绍:
Neurological Sciences is intended to provide a medium for the communication of results and ideas in the field of neuroscience. The journal welcomes contributions in both the basic and clinical aspects of the neurosciences. The official language of the journal is English. Reports are published in the form of original articles, short communications, editorials, reviews and letters to the editor. Original articles present the results of experimental or clinical studies in the neurosciences, while short communications are succinct reports permitting the rapid publication of novel results. Original contributions may be submitted for the special sections History of Neurology, Health Care and Neurological Digressions - a forum for cultural topics related to the neurosciences. The journal also publishes correspondence book reviews, meeting reports and announcements.