Treatment of Autoimmune Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein Astrocytopathy: Follow-Up in 7 Cases

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this work was to report an autoimmune glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) astrocytopathy with long-term follow-up in 7 patients.

Methods: Antibodies were detected by indirect immunofluorescence assay and patient data were analyzed retrospectively.

Results: Seven patients (4 female, 3 male) with ≥1 year follow-up were included. All patients had positive GFAP antibodies in their cerebral spinal fluid (CSF). Their median age at disease onset was 56 years (range 27-69) and the median disease duration was 1 year (range 1-4). In the initial attack, all patients received intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) followed by oral steroids, which were tapered. Six patients received intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg). One patient had no response to IVIg and IVMP. Four patients received immunosuppressive agents. Five patients underwent the second lumbar puncture after treatment. CSF white blood cell counts, protein levels, and antibody titers were significantly decreased. CSF protein levels correlated positively with the Expanded Disability Status Scale score, which was elevated at each lumbar puncture. Four patients experienced relapse. To date, 6 patients had a bad prognosis, of which 2 died.

Conclusions: Some patients with GFAP astrocytopathy experienced a poor response to treatment although they received steroids and immunosuppressive agents.

Keywords: Antibody; Astrocytopathy; Glial fibrillary acidic protein; Treatment.