Abstract | OBJECTIVES: Severe agitation is a common symptom in pediatric cases of anti- N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor ( anti-NMDAR) encephalitis-an autoimmune encephalitis with prominent neuropsychiatric symptoms. Agitation is a major barrier to treatment of the underlying disease process and increases patients' risk of harming themselves and others. Furthermore, male patients often have undetectable tumors and are especially at risk for extended hospitalization, but have been infrequently studied. This report presents a case series of four pediatric male patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis complicated by agitation, the strategies used to address treatment challenges, and a review of the current literature. METHODS: A chart review of four agitated pediatric male patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis and a PubMed search of the current literature were conducted. RESULTS: CONCLUSION: These cases and review of the literature suggest that quetiapine may be particularly beneficial for treating agitation secondary to anti-NMDAR encephalitis in pediatric patients and have fewer adverse effects.
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Authors | Lauren T Schumacher, Andrea P Mann, James G MacKenzie |
Journal | Journal of child and adolescent psychopharmacology
(J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol)
Vol. 26
Issue 10
Pg. 939-943
(12 2016)
ISSN: 1557-8992 [Electronic] United States |
PMID | 27992257
(Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article, Review)
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Chemical References |
- Antipsychotic Agents
- Quetiapine Fumarate
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Topics |
- Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Encephalitis
(complications, drug therapy)
- Antipsychotic Agents
(adverse effects, therapeutic use)
- Child
- Child, Preschool
- Humans
- Male
- Psychomotor Agitation
(drug therapy, etiology)
- Quetiapine Fumarate
(adverse effects, therapeutic use)
- Treatment Outcome
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