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[Therapeutic response to plasmapheresis in four cases with obsessive-compulsive disorder and tic disorder triggered

Lütfullah Beşiroğlu1, Mehmet Yücel Ağargün, Ozgür Ozbebit

  • 1Yüzüncü Yil U Tip Fak., Psikiyatri AD., Van. lbesiroglu@yyu.edu.tr

Turk Psikiyatri Dergisi = Turkish Journal of Psychiatry
|September 15, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) may affect adults. Plasmapheresis treatment showed positive effects in four adult cases of PANDAS, suggesting its potential for treating these autoimmune-related neuropsychiatric conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Immunology
  • Pediatric Psychiatry

Background:

  • PANDAS is a subgroup of pediatric-onset obsessive-compulsive symptoms and tics linked to autoimmune responses post-streptococcal infection.
  • The pathogenesis involves an immune process affecting the basal ganglia, leading to neuropsychiatric symptoms.
  • Severe cases may benefit from treatments targeting the autoimmune process, such as plasmapheresis or IV immunoglobulin.

Observation:

  • This study examines the impact of plasmapheresis on four adult patients diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder and tic disorder.
  • These adult cases were triggered by streptococcal infections, mirroring PANDAS criteria.
  • The patients presented with severe neuropsychiatric symptoms necessitating advanced treatment strategies.

Findings:

  • Plasmapheresis treatment was administered to four adult patients with streptococcal-triggered obsessive-compulsive and tic disorders.
  • The treatment aimed to interrupt the autoimmune response implicated in the pathogenesis of these conditions.
  • Observed effects of plasmapheresis in these adult cases are discussed, indicating potential therapeutic benefits.

Implications:

  • Findings suggest that the autoimmune mechanisms underlying PANDAS may extend into adulthood.
  • Plasmapheresis could be a viable treatment option for adults experiencing neuropsychiatric symptoms triggered by streptococcal infections.
  • Further research is warranted to explore the efficacy and long-term outcomes of plasmapheresis in adult PANDAS cases.

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