Predicting and Monitoring Outcomes in Autoimmune Encephalitis

Launched by ROYAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS, IRELAND · Jan 31, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is focused on understanding a condition called autoimmune encephalitis (AE), which is a rare type of epilepsy caused by the body's immune system mistakenly attacking healthy brain tissue. The goal of the study is to find ways to predict which patients with AE are at risk for severe outcomes, like ongoing seizures, even after receiving treatment. Researchers will collect medical information and samples from participants, including blood and cerebrospinal fluid (the fluid that surrounds the brain), to look for specific markers that could help in predicting how well a person will respond to treatment.

To participate in the trial, individuals must be over 18 years old and have been diagnosed with clinically probable or definite autoimmune encephalitis. The study will also include participants with other neurological conditions who are undergoing procedures for unrelated issues. Participants can expect to provide health information and samples, and their contributions will help improve understanding and treatment options for people with autoimmune encephalitis. This study is currently not recruiting participants yet, but it aims to make a meaningful impact on how we manage this challenging condition.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • AE participants over the age of 18 will be recruited if they meet the criteria for clinically probable or clinically definite Autoimmune Encephalitis as per Graus and colleagues 2016.
• • Neurological Control participants undergoing lumbar puncture as part of clinical care for other, non-encephalitis disorders (e.g. for investigation of headache where meningitis or encephalitis is not detected, for investigation and treatment of idiopathic intracranial hypertension) in Beaumont hospital will be recruited.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • AE participants
• • Under 18 years of age
• • Participants without AE or those with a definitive alternate diagnosis for presentation.
• • Other neurological control participants will be excluded if they have a current or historic diagnosis of AE.