A case of a child with developmental regression associated with an autoimmune mechanism who was successfully treated with immunotherapy

Abstract

  A 2-year-old boy with normal development experienced tonic clonic seizures during an episode of influenza. Thereafter, he was unable to walk and his ability to speak gradually declined. He showed no severe consciousness impairment. Both his anti-glutamate receptor (anti-GluR) antibody and serum anti-voltage-gated potassium channel (anti-VGKC) complex antibody levels were elevated. Immunoglobulin and corticosteroid therapy were effective, and led to the improvement of his motor function and speech. The pathogenesis underlying the symptoms was considered to have been mediated by an autoimmune mechanism.