Cryptogenic new-onset refractory status epilepticus responded to anti-interleukin-6 treatment.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this case report was to describe a potential anti-interleukin (IL)-6 treatment for cryptogenic new-onset refractory status epilepticus (C-NORSE). BACKGROUND: Although an underlying immune-mediated pathogenesis is considered present in some C-NORSE cases, many cases do not respond to classical immunotherapies. CASE REPORT: We describe the case of a 46-year-old woman with C-NORSE who achieved cessation of long-lasting status epilepticus following administration of tocilizumab, an IL-6 receptor-blocking antibody, although the final outcome was poor. CONCLUSIONS: Anti-IL-6 treatment may prove effective in stopping status epilepticus in some C-NORSE cases.