Temporal rank of clinical characteristics and prognosis of anti‐N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor encephalitis

OBJECTIVES: Early recognition and intervention of patients with the anti‐N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis are important to achieve a better prognosis. The study aims to summarize the real‐world perspectives of anti‐NMDAR encephalitis patients in China via electronic medical records (EMRs). METHODS: Using EMRs of patients from 2013 to 2019 from West China Hospital in China, a retrospective research was conducted to demonstrate the temporary rank of clinical characteristics and disease prognosis of anti‐NMDAR encephalitis. The modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores were used to divide the anti‐NMDAR‐encephalitis into two groups (poor prognosis vs. good prognosis). Chi‐square test and logistic regression were used to analyze factors associated with prognosis. RESULTS: Here, 78 patients were included. The most common clinical characteristics are cognitive dysfunction (86.0%) and thought disorder (86.0%). Cognitive dysfunction, thought disorder, and seizures tended to appear soon after prodrome symptoms. Logistics analysis results showed that cognitive dysfunction (OR = 4.48, 95% CI = 1.09–18.47), the score of (GCS ≤ 8) (OR = 4.52, 95% CI = 1.18–17.32), positive antibodies in serum (OR = 4.89, 95% CI = 1.19–20.13) and delay immunotherapy (OR = 4.76, 95% CI = 1.79–12.60) were risk factors of poor clinical outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: There are two peaks in the development of autoimmune encephalitis (AE). The first peak is cognitive dysfunction, and the second peak is autonomic dysfunction. Cognitive dysfunction and GCS score ≤8 at admission, antibodies positive in serum, and delay immunotherapy were risk factors for a poor prognosis at discharge.