Clinical Manifestations of Anti-GABA-B Receptor Encephalitis: A Case Series

Neurol India. 2024 Nov 1;72(6):1259-1262. doi: 10.4103/neurol-india.Neurol-India-D-23-00496. Epub 2024 Dec 17.

Abstract

Anti γ aminobutyric acid B(GABA B) receptor encephalitis is a rare form of autoimmune encephalitis. Our aim is to study the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of anti GABA B receptor encephalitis. This is a retrospective case series from the Neuroimmunology laboratory of Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi, Kerala, India from 2016 to 2021. A total of four cases (two males, two females, age range: 13-80 years) tested positive for GABA B antibody during the study period. The clinical manifestations of anti GABA B receptor encephalitis found in our patients consisted of seizures, cognitive function decline (especially recent memory), and behavioral abnormalities. No malignancies were encountered. Patients were treated with steroids and immunoglobulins and showed an improvement in behavioral and cognitive function. However, one patient succumbed to illness while being treated with plasma exchange, and two other patients died at a later date due to other causes.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Autoantibodies / blood
  • Encephalitis* / drug therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • India
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Receptors, GABA-B* / immunology
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Seizures / drug therapy
  • Seizures / etiology
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Receptors, GABA-B
  • Autoantibodies