Pediatric anti-NMDA-receptor autoimmune encephalitis in siblings: Developmental, Electrophysiologic, and Genetic Implications.

BACKGROUND:Anti-NMDAR encephalitis is a leading cause of autoimmune encephalitis in children. Untreated disease can lead to long-term neurological disability. CASE REPORT:We present siblings with pediatric-onset anti-NMDAR encephalitis. One was treated early, while the other's diagnosis and treatment were delayed by several years. Developmental, electrophysiologic, and genetic implications are discussed. CONCLUSION:Anti-NMDAR encephalitis is a severely debilitating disease that often requires prompt initiation and early escalation in treatment. Delayed treatment may lead to irreversible neurological sequalae. Further studies exploring associations between timing and tier of treatment initiation and longitudinal outcomes are needed.