Effectiveness of intra-thecal methotrexate in refractory Anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor encephalitis.

Background: Anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate "anti-NMDA" receptor encephalitis is one of the most common autoimmune encephalitis for which first- and second-line therapies have been recommended following international consensus. However, some refractory cases do not respond to the first- and second-line therapy and require further immune-modulatory therapies such as intra-thecal methotrexate. In this study, we reviewed six confirmed cases of refractory anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis from two tertiary centers in Saudi Arabia that required escalation of treatment and received a six-month course of intra-thecal methotrexate.

Retrospective review of pediatric status epilepticus in 116 Saudi patients: predictors of outcome.

Background: Status epilepticus (SE) is a common, life-threatening condition. Multiple factors are used to predict its outcome and evaluate its risks, and there have been only a few studies in Saudi Arabia.

Objectives: Investigate predictors of SE outcome.