Brain endothelial antibodies

March 17, 2006

Brain Endothelial Antibodies in Children with Language Regression

A. McVicar, rio Valicenti-McDermott, L. Moshe,

Shlomo Shinnar, Bronx, NY

OBJECTIVE: Characterize frequency of serum brain endothelial antibodies

in children with language regression (LR). BACKGROUND: Brain endothelial

antibodies have been reported in children with both autistic spectrum

disorders (ASD) and Landau Kleffner syndrome (LKS). The reported

frequency has been variable, but higher than that seen in children with

other neurological conditions. DESIGN/METHODS: Subjects were 31 children

with LR who underwent overnight video EEG monitoring at Montefiore

Medical Center. Children with LR had a documented LR (loss of 5

previously acquired words) with or without associated autistic

regression. ASD was diagnosed using DSM IV criteria. Serum samples were

analysed for brain endothelial antibodies, IgG and IgM, at Dr Connolly s

laboratory at Washington University, St. Louis. RESULTS: Of 31 subjects,

24 (77%) were boys, 21 (68%) also met criteria for ASD, 14 (45%) had

epileptiform EEGs and 10 (32%) had a history of clinical seizures. Of

the 31 children, 24 (77%) had brain endothelial antibodies in serum,

with 21 (68%) having positive IgG and 15 (48%) having positive IgM

antibodies. Brain endothelial antibodies were somewhat more frequent in

boys than girls (83% vs 50 %; p=0.12). Freuqncy was similar in those

with ASD (81%) and those with isolated LR (70%). It was also similar in

those with epileptiform EEG (71%) and nonepileptiform EEGs (82%).

CONCLUSIONS/RELEVANCE: Children with language regression have a high

rate of brain endothelial autoantibodies even though they are not being

measured at regression. The rates in this study are much higher than in

other studies that have examined all children with autism. The high rate

observed in this populaion suggests autoimmune mechanisms may be

involved in the pathophysiology of this devastating disorder. If

confirmed, this has implications for novel therapeutic approaches and

pathophysiology. Supported by: NIH grant RR-17672-01 (KM).

Category - Child Neurology/Developmental Neurobiology

SubCategory - Other

Thursday, April 6, 2006 7:30 AM

Recommended Posts