Predictors and Clinical Characteristics of Relapses in LGI1-Antibody Encephalitis
Lucia Campetella, Antonio Farina, Macarena Villagrán‐García, Marine Villard, Marie Bénaiteau, Noémie Timestit, Alberto Vogrig, Géraldine Picard, Véronique Rogemond, Dimitri Psimaras, Marie Rafiq, Eve Chanson, Cécile Marchal, David Gonçalves, Bastien Joubert, Jérôme Honnorat, Sergio Muñiz‐Castrillo
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Relapses occur in 15%-25% of patients with leucine-rich glioma-inactivated 1 antibody (LGI1-Ab) autoimmune encephalitis and may cause additional disability. In this study, we clinically characterized the relapses and identified factors predicting their occurrence. METHODS: This is a retrospective chart review of patients with LGI1-Ab encephalitis diagnosed at our center between 2005 and 2022. Relapse was defined as worsening of previous or appearance of new symptoms after at least 3 months of clinical stabilization. RESULTS: = 0.036) were significantly associated with an increased risk of relapse. DISCUSSION: Relapses may occur years after the initial encephalitis episode and are usually milder but cause additional disability. Corticosteroid treatment reduces the risk of future relapses, while patients with residual cognitive dysfunction after the initial episode have an increased relapse risk.