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Neurological Sciences
Published in: Neurological Sciences 3/2022

01-03-2022 | SARS-CoV-2 | COVID-19

Immune-mediated neurological syndrome in SARS-CoV-2 infection: a review of literature on autoimmune encephalitis in COVID-19

Authors: Alvin Oliver Payus, Mohammad Saffree Jeffree, May Honey Ohn, Hui Jan Tan, Azliza Ibrahim, Yuen Kang Chia, Azman Ali Raymond

Published in: Neurological Sciences | Issue 3/2022

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Abstract

Introduction

The novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infection caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) which has been spreading rapidly amongst humans and causing a global pandemic. The notorious infection has shown to cause a wide spectrum of neurological syndrome, including autoimmune encephalitis.

Objective

Here, we systematically review the literature on autoimmune encephalitis that developed in the background of SARS-CoV-2 infections and also the possible pathophysiological mechanisms of auto-immune mediated damage to the nervous system.

Methodology

An exhaustive search was made in Medline/PubMed, Embase, Scopus and other medical databases, and 28 relevant published articles were selected according to the strict inclusion criteria.

Results

Autoimmune encephalitis can occur via three possible proposed pathophysiological mechanism and can manifest during or after the acute infection period. It is more common in adult but can also occur in the paediatric patients. There were various spectra of autoantibody panels reported including antineuronal antibody, anti-gangliosides antibody and onconeural antibody. Majority of the patients responded well to the immunomodulating therapy and achieved good recovery.

Conclusion

In conclusion, SARSCoV-2 infection can induce various spectrum of autoimmune encephalitis. It is a major concern since there is very limited long-term study on the topic. Hence, this review aims to elucidate on the potential long-term complication of SARS-CoV-2 infection and hopefully to improve the management and prognosis of COVID-19.
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Metadata
Title
Immune-mediated neurological syndrome in SARS-CoV-2 infection: a review of literature on autoimmune encephalitis in COVID-19
Authors
Alvin Oliver Payus
Mohammad Saffree Jeffree
May Honey Ohn
Hui Jan Tan
Azliza Ibrahim
Yuen Kang Chia
Azman Ali Raymond
Publication date
01-03-2022
Publisher
Springer International Publishing
Published in
Neurological Sciences / Issue 3/2022
Print ISSN: 1590-1874
Electronic ISSN: 1590-3478
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-021-05785-z

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