Autoimmune encephalitis are a new category of inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system mediated by antibodies that attack neurotransmitter or protein receptors on the surface of neurons. The clinical syndromes are complex and are associated with manifestations that vary according to the type of antibody that is associated. The autoimmune response can start due to the presence of a tumour or viral infection, but in many case the cause remains unknown. In paediatrics, the most frequent autoimmune encephalitis is that associated with NMDA glutamate receptor antibodies (or anti-NMDA encephalitis). In children and teenagers, the initial symptoms are usually different from those of adults and the disease is rarely associated with tumours. In this article, in addition to anti-NMDA encephalitis, the general aspects of autoimmune encephalitis are reviewed and the most common questions asked about treatment of these diseases are addressed.
Title: Encefalitis autoinmunes.
Las encefalitis autoinmunes constituyen una nueva categoria de enfermedades inflamatorias del sistema nervioso central mediadas por anticuerpos contra receptores de neurotransmisores o proteinas de la superficie neuronal. Los sindromes clinicos son complejos y se asocian a manifestaciones que varian en funcion del tipo de anticuerpo asociado. La respuesta autoinmune puede iniciarse por la presencia de un tumor o infeccion virica, pero en muchos casos se desconoce la causa. En pediatria, la encefalitis autoinmune mas frecuente es la que se asocia a anticuerpos contra el receptor de glutamato NMDA (o encefalitis anti-NMDAR). En niños y adolescentes, los sintomas iniciales suelen ser diferentes a los de los adultos y la enfermedad raramente se asocia a tumores. En este articulo, ademas de la encefalitis anti-NMDAR, se revisan los aspectos generales de las encefalitis autoinmunes y se abordan las preguntas mas frecuentes que suscita el tratamiento de estas enfermedades.