Neuronal voltage-gated potassium channel complex autoimmunity in children

Radhika Dhamija, Deborah L. Renaud, Sean J. Pittock, Andrew McKeon, Daniel H. Lachance, Katherine C. Nickels, Elaine C. Wirrell, Nancy L. Kuntz, Mary D. King, Vanda A. Lennon

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

47 Scopus citations

Abstract

Autoimmunity targeting voltage-gated potassium channel complexes have not been systematically documented in children. Identified in the Neuroimmunology Laboratory records of Mayo Clinic were 12 seropositive children, 7 among 252 Mayo Clinic pediatric patients tested on a service basis for serologic evidence of neurologic autoimmunity (June 2008-April 2010), 4 during the assay's preimplementation validation (before June 2008) and 1 non-Mayo patient with available clinical information. Neurologic manifestations were subacute and multifocal. Three had global developmental regression, 6 movement disorders, 4 dysarthria, 3 seizures, 1 Satoyoshi syndrome, 1 painful red feet, 2 insomnia, 2 gastrointestinal dysmotility, and 2 small fiber neuropathy. Neoplasia was found in 1 child. Treating physicians recorded improvement in all 7 children who received immunotherapy. Neurologic symptom relapse occurred in 3 of 6 children after ceasing immunotherapy. These findings highlight a diverse clinical spectrum of neuronal potassium channel complex autoimmunity in children, and they illustrate benefit from early initiated immunotherapy, with a tendency to relapse when therapy ceases. Diagnosis is generally delayed in the process of eliminating neurodegenerative causes. Currently 2.7% of pediatric sera evaluated for neurologic autoimmunity are positive for neuronal potassium channel complex-reactive immunoglobulin G. The frequency and full spectrum of neurologic accompaniments remains to be determined.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)275-281
Number of pages7
JournalPediatric Neurology
Volume44
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2011

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
  • Neurology
  • Developmental Neuroscience
  • Clinical Neurology

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