Perampanel use in pediatric autoimmune encephalitis-related seizures and epilepsy: a retrospective case series - Report - MDSpire

Perampanel use in pediatric autoimmune encephalitis-related seizures and epilepsy: a retrospective case series

  • By

  • Jiaqin Yi

  • Qing Lu

  • Ling Hu

  • Jiehui Ma

  • Qiaoqiao Qian

  • Dan Sun

  • May 26, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Utilization of Perampanel for Seizures in Pediatric AE

Overview

This retrospective study evaluated the efficacy of perampanel (PER) in pediatric patients with autoimmune encephalitis (AE)-related seizures, involving 14 patients divided into two groups. Results indicated that PER may improve seizure outcomes in this population, with no serious adverse events reported.

Background

Autoimmune encephalitis (AE) is a significant cause of seizures in children, often leading to chronic epilepsy. Effective management of seizures in AE is crucial, as they can severely impact the quality of life. Current treatment options are limited, making the exploration of medications like perampanel particularly relevant.

Data Highlights

GroupOutcomePercentage
ASSAESeizure resolution42.8% (3/7)
AAE≥ 50% reduction in seizure frequency57.1% (4/7)
AAESeizure freedom42.8% (3/7)

Key Findings

  • 14 pediatric patients with AE (9 male, 5 female; median age 8.5 years) were treated with PER.
  • Median maintenance dose of PER ranged from 2 to 4 mg per day.
  • 42.8% of patients in the ASSAE group achieved seizure resolution.
  • 57.1% of patients in the AAE group had a ≥ 50% reduction in seizure frequency at 3 months.
  • 42.8% of patients in the AAE group achieved seizure freedom at 3 months.
  • No serious adverse events were reported in either group.

Clinical Implications

The findings suggest that perampanel may be a viable option for managing seizures in pediatric patients with autoimmune encephalitis. Clinicians should consider the potential benefits of PER while also recognizing the need for further studies to confirm these preliminary results and address limitations.

Conclusion

Perampanel shows promise in improving seizure outcomes in children with AE-related seizures, warranting further investigation in larger cohorts to validate these findings.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Frontiers in Neurology, 2026 -- Perampanel Use in Pediatric Autoimmune Encephalitis-Related Seizures and Epilepsy: A Retrospective Case Series
  2. Nature Reviews Disease Primers, 2025 -- Autoimmune encephalitis
  3. Neurology, 2025 -- The Clinical Trial Landscape in Autoimmune Encephalitis
  4. International League Against Epilepsy -- Autoimmune-associated epilepsy
  5. Intensive Care Medicine — Incidence and Outcomes of Seizures in 204 Unconscious Pediatric Patients
  6. Frontiers in Neurology — Clinical characteristics and outcomes of anti-NMDA receptor-dominant autoimmune encephalitis
  7. Frontiers in Pediatrics — Overreliance on EEG Normalization: A Case Report of DEE-SWAS Treated as Presumed NCSE Leading to Avoidable Escalation
  8. Frontiers in Neurology — Middle-aged predominance and diagnostic delays in anti-LGI1 encephalitis: the role of antibody testing
  9. Clinical characteristics and outcomes of anti-NMDA receptor-dominant autoimmune encephalitis
  10. Investigation of efficacy, safety and tolerability of perampanel monotherapy in children with newly-diagnosed epilepsy
  11. Autoimmune encephalitis | Nature Reviews Disease Primers
  12. The Clinical Trial Landscape in Autoimmune Encephalitis | Neurology
  13. A Phase-2B Double-Blind Randomized International Prospective Trial of Inebilizumab in NMDAR Encephalitis: The ExTINGUISH Trial | Neurology Open Access
  14. Updated classification of epileptic seizures: Position paper of the International League Against Epilepsy
  15. Autoimmune-associated epilepsy // International League Against Epilepsy
  16. Value of anti-N-methyl D-aspartate receptor in children with encephalitis: a prospective observational study | Pediatric Research
  17. Clinical and neuroradiological findings in patients with Anti-AMPAR encephalitis: associations with outcomes | BMC Neurology | Springer Nature Link
  18. Frontiers | Clinical characteristics and outcome in patients with anti-AMPAR2 encephalitis: a case series and literature review
  19. Frontiers | Perampanel Use in Pediatric Autoimmune Encephalitis-Related Seizures and Epilepsy: A Retrospective Case Series

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