The usefulness of immunotherapy in pediatric neurodegenerative disorders: A systematic review of literature data

Hum Vaccin Immunother. 2015;11(12):2749-63. doi: 10.1080/21645515.2015.1061161.

Abstract

Immunotherapeutic strategies to treat neurodegenerative disorders have inspired the scientific community. The aim of our review is to address the translational aspects of neuroimmunology to describe the efficacy of immunotherapy in the treatment of pediatric neurodegenerative disorders. In the studies we analyzed IVIG were found to be efficient in the treatment of post-streptococcal neurodegenerative disorders, even if in PANDAS, plasma-exchange (PE) showed a higher efficiency. IVIG were also successfully used in ADEM and Guillan-Barré syndrome. In Sydenham Chorea the use of methylprednisolone was found in most cases as efficient as IVIG, while in Tourette's Syndrome, Colecoxib was successfully used in one patient. Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis seems to respond better to immunosuppressant agents (Mitoxantrone, Cyclophosphamide, Natalizumab), as well as Neuromyelitis optica (Rituximab, Mycofenolate). The importance of this review relies in the attempt to draw standardized guidelines for immunotherapy in pediatric neurodegeneratve disorders.

Keywords: childhood; immunotherapy-systematic review; neurodegenerative disorders.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Autoimmune Diseases / drug therapy
  • Child
  • Chorea / drug therapy
  • Cyclophosphamide / therapeutic use
  • Guillain-Barre Syndrome / therapy
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / therapeutic use*
  • Immunotherapy / methods*
  • Methylprednisolone / therapeutic use
  • Mitoxantrone / therapeutic use
  • Multiple Sclerosis / drug therapy
  • Multiple Sclerosis / immunology
  • Natalizumab / therapeutic use
  • Nervous System / immunology
  • Nervous System / pathology*
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / immunology*
  • Neuromyelitis Optica / drug therapy
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
  • Plasma Exchange / methods*
  • Rituximab / therapeutic use
  • Streptococcal Infections / drug therapy
  • Tourette Syndrome / drug therapy

Substances

  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous
  • Natalizumab
  • Rituximab
  • Cyclophosphamide
  • Mitoxantrone
  • Methylprednisolone

Supplementary concepts

  • Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal infections