Anakinra and tocilizumab in the chronic phase of febrile infection-related epilepsy syndrome (FIRES): Effectiveness and safety from a case-series

Angel Aledo-Serrano*, Roshan Hariramani, Alicia Gonzalez-Martinez, Jorge Álvarez-Troncoso, Rafael Toledano, Allan Bayat, Irene Garcia-Morales, Juan Luis Becerra, Irene Villegas-Martínez, Alvaro Beltran-Corbellini, Antonio Gil-Nagel

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

Abstract

PURPOSE: There is scarce evidence of effective treatments for the chronic phase of Febrile infection-related epilepsy syndrome (FIRES). This study aimed to analyze the outcomes of treatment with anakinra and tocilizumab.

METHODS: Retrospective study including patients receiving either anti-interleukin-1 (anti-IL-1, anakinra) or anti-IL-6 (tocilizumab) during the chronic phase of FIRES. We evaluated seizure outcomes, non-seizure comorbidities, and adverse events. Additionally, an indirect control group including patients during the chronic phase of FIRES non-treated with-IL therapies was evaluated.

RESULTS: Five patients were included; three females. Median age at FIRES: 8 years (IQR: 6-10). Five patients received anakinra; one patient switched to tocilizumab after ineffectiveness. Median treatment duration was 9months (IQR: 7-20). While no patients became seizure-free, 20-50% reduction in seizure frequency was reported in 3/5 patients after 6 months with anakinra. Retention rate was 100% at 6 months and 40% at 12months. Three patients reported reduced seizure intensity and rescue medication needed, and better behavior/communication. Similar improvement was reported for the patient switching to tocilizumab. Patients with the best response received anti-IL a median of 9 years after acute phase. All discontinuations were due to ineffectiveness. There were none relevant adverse events apart from one patient presenting transient seizure aggravation. Nine patients were included in the control group; none of them showed relevant improvement in seizure outcomes or cognitive/behavioral comorbidities. Only one presented mild improvement in seizure frequency during the 6-months follow-up.

CONCLUSION: This study provides promising data on effectiveness/safety of anakinra and tocilizumab in the chronic phase of FIRES. These findings warrant prospective/larger studies.

Original languageEnglish
JournalSeizure
Volume100
Pages (from-to)51-55
ISSN1059-1311
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2022

Bibliographical note

Copyright © 2022 British Epilepsy Association. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Keywords

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Drug Resistant Epilepsy/drug therapy
  • Encephalitis/drug therapy
  • Epileptic Syndromes/complications
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interleukin 1 Receptor Antagonist Protein/adverse effects
  • Male
  • Prospective Studies
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Seizures/drug therapy

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