Erythropoietin can improve the refractory autoimmune encephalitis. Erythropoietin has tissue-protective effect via activation of Janus kinase (JAK)-2, signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)-5 pathway and NF-kappa B pathway. The activation of JAK-2 and STAT-5 promote hemoglobin synthesis and facilitate cell cycle progression. Also, NF-kappa B pathway inhibition regulates pro-inflammatory cytokine production.~We expect that erythropoietin may lead to improve the symptoms and outcome of autoimmune encephalitis.
This study evaluates the efficacy of erythropoietin in refractory autoimmune encephalitis. Ten patients will receive 100 IU/kg of erythropoietin 3 times a week for 12 weeks.