In recent years, Cho Ray Hospital has seen a significant increase in cases of autoimmune encephalitis. Over the past 18 months, 17 patients have been admitted to the hospital with this condition. Most of these cases are linked to antibodies from ovarian teratoma, with four patients unfortunately succumbing to the disease. Dr. Le Quoc Hung, head of the Department of Tropical Diseases and Anti-Poison Resuscitation Unit at Cho Ray Hospital, notes that this disease’s prevalence has risen significantly in the past eight months, making it a newly discovered condition in Vietnam. The average age of patients treated at the hospital is 23, with most cases arriving in critical condition.
Treatment costs for autoimmune encephalitis can be substantial, averaging around one billion VND per patient. Surgical intervention is sometimes required, particularly for cases involving ovarian teratoma. However, surgery can affect fertility and endocrine function in the long term. The treatment process can be complex and expensive, with some patients requiring ongoing hormone therapy.
Autoimmune encephalitis is a condition where brain tissue is damaged by antibodies produced by the body. In particular, anti-NMDAR antibodies have been associated with this disease and often linked to ovarian teratoma. Detecting and diagnosing this disease early is crucial for effective treatment as delayed diagnosis can lead to severe consequences. Treatment often involves a combination of interventions like plasma exchange, medication and in some cases surgery to remove tumors.
Doctors are working on developing national standards for diagnosing and treating autoimmune encephalitis. Early detection of this disease is essential as patients may exhibit symptoms like memory loss or behavioral changes or seizures. By raising awareness and improving diagnostic capabilities healthcare providers aim to improve outcomes for patients with this challenging condition
