Assay identifies biomarker of autoimmune encephalitis subtype: Andrew McKeon, M.B., B.Ch., M.D.
Answers from the Lab
English - December 19, 2023 07:00 - 17 minutes - 24.4 MBMedicine Health & Fitness Science laboratory medicine healthcare answers from the lab mayo clinic laboratories lab mayo clinic clinical dlmp morice pritt Homepage Download Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Antibody against the GABA-A receptor is a biomarker of autoimmune encephalopathy that occurs across the lifespan, and disproportionately affects children. In this test-specific episode of the "Answers From the Lab" podcast, Andrew McKeon, M.B., B.Ch., M.D., explains how Mayo Clinic Laboratories' GABA-A receptor antibody assay aids diagnosis of this serious but treatable condition.
Show notes
(00:32)
Could you provide a little information on your role here at Mayo Clinic?
(01:11)
Can you give an introduction as to how GABA-A is important as the field of autoimmune neurology develops?
(02:15)
What type of methodology are we using in this assay?
(03:17)
Will there be a reflex to confirm positivity, or is that captured in that initial test?
(04:22)
Is either CSF or serum specimen preferable, or do we recommend both for this biomarker?
(05:09)
In combination with what phenotypes should this biomarker be considered?
(05:37)
Should a physician consider adding a GABA-A receptor standalone test to our encephalopathy, epilepsy, or pediatric evaluations, to be sure they're doing a comprehensive review?
(06:25)
Can you give us a little background on why this test is being launched by itself? Is Mayo Clinic Labs changing its stance on whether comprehensive evaluations are the most appropriate method?
(07:30)
Why has it taken so long to bring this assay live?
(08:14)
For exactly what type of patients should physicians consider this testing?
(10:21)
Should physicians add our encephalopathy evaluation every time they order GABA-A? Is the presentation you just described common or a subset?
(11:24)
Does that recommendation change in pediatric patients?
(12:20)
What does a positive result tell physicians?
(12:57)
Does GABA-A have a high-risk oncological association?
(13:18)
What does GABA-A tell a pediatric neurologist if the test comes back positive?
(14:14)
Should a positive GABA-A test lead a physician to a certain treatment option?
(15:24)
What are you most excited about in relation to the launch of this new test?
(16:48)
Is there anything else you'd like to add about this test?