Can Neurofilament Light Chain Be Utilized as a Biomarker of Disease Severity, Activity, and Outcomes in Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis?

Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis (anti-NMDARe) is a disorder characterized by a combination of behavioral, cognitive, and psychiatric alterations along with seizures, abnormal movements, dysautonomia, or a decreased level of consciousness that sequentially develop over several weeks in association with NMDAR-IgG in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).(1) This presentation is followed by weeks or months of persistent symptoms, often requiring intensive care (ICU), followed by a protracted recovery. Changes in CSF antibody titers may correlate with relapse, but serum titers are not reliable longitudinal biomarkers of disease activity.(2)

Automated summary

Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis is characterized by behavioral, cognitive, and psychiatric alterations, along with seizures, abnormal movements, dysautonomia, or decreased consciousness. These symptoms develop sequentially over several weeks in association with NMDAR-IgG in cerebrospinal fluid. After the initial presentation, persistent symptoms may last for weeks or months and often require ICU care, followed by a slow recovery. Changes in CSF antibody titers may correlate with relapse, but serum titers are unreliable biomarkers of disease activity.