Pediatric anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis: Exploring psychosis, related risk factors, and hospital outcomes in a nationwide inpatient sample: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: Our study aims to examine the risk factors for comorbid psychosis in pediatric patients hospitalized for anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis and its impact on hospital outcomes. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study using the nationwide inpatient sample (NIS 2018-2019). We included 3,405 pediatric inpatients (age 6-17 years) with a primary discharge diagnosis of anti-NMDAR encephalitis. We used binomial logistic regression model to evaluate the odds ratio (OR) of variables (demographic and comorbidities) associated with comorbid psychosis. RESULTS: The prevalence of comorbid psychosis in anti-NMDAR encephalitis inpatients was 5.3%, and majorly constituted of adolescents (72.2%) and females (58.3%). In terms of race, Blacks (OR 2.41), and Hispanics (OR 1.80) had a higher risk of comorbid psychosis compared to Whites. Among comorbidities, encephalitis inpatients with depressive disorders (OR 4.60), sleep-wake disorders (OR 3.16), anxiety disorders (OR 2.11), neurodevelopmental disorders (OR 1.95), and disruptive behavior disorders (OR 2.15) had a higher risk of comorbid psychosis. Anti-NMDAR encephalitis inpatients with comorbid psychosis had a longer median length of stay at 24.6 days (vs. 9.8 days) and higher median charges at $262,796 (vs. $135,323) compared to those without psychotic presentation. CONCLUSION: Adolescents, females, and Blacks with encephalitis have a higher risk of psychotic presentation leading to hospitalization for anti-NMDAR encephalitis. Identification of demographic predictors and comorbidities can aid in early recognition and intervention to optimize care and potentially reduce the healthcare burden.

Differentiating Between Lithium Tremors and Extrapyramidal Tremors in a Patient on Long-Term Antipsychotics and Lithium Medication.

Tremors are characterized by involuntary rhythmic shaking movement in different regions of the body. Tremors can manifest in various forms and have various causes, including the use of drugs such as lithium and antipsychotic medication. In a clinical setting, it is vital to understand the varieties of tremors presented and administer the appropriate pharmacotherapy needed. We present a case of a patient that has been experiencing fine tremors while on antipsychotics and lithium medication for the past year. We address differentiating the tremors while proposing managing the effects based on their mechanisms of action.