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Pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections (PANDAS): an indication for

Alan A Z Alexander1, Nitin J Patel, Cathy A Southammakosane

  • 1University of Virginia, Department of Radiology, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA. aaz.alexander@yahoo.com

International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology
|April 7, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections (PANDAS) can cause neuro-psychiatric symptoms. Tonsillectomy successfully resolved symptoms and prevented recurrent infections in a 9-year-old boy with PANDAS.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections (PANDAS) link streptococcal infections to neuropsychiatric symptoms in children.
  • Recurrent oro-pharyngeal streptococcal infections are a key diagnostic criterion for PANDAS.
  • Tonsillectomy is a potential intervention for PANDAS, but evidence is evolving.

Observation:

  • A 9-year-old boy presented with recurrent streptococcal infections and associated neuropsychiatric symptoms like agitation, hyperactivity, and tics.
  • The patient's symptoms emerged following his repeated infections.
  • These symptoms significantly impacted the child's quality of life.

Findings:

  • Tonsillectomy was performed on the patient.
  • Post-tonsillectomy, the patient experienced no recurrent streptococcal infections over a one-year follow-up period.
  • The patient's neuropsychiatric symptoms, including agitation, hyperactivity, and tics, completely resolved after the surgery.

Implications:

  • Tonsillectomy may be an effective treatment for resolving neuro-psychiatric symptoms in children with PANDAS.
  • Surgical intervention, such as tonsillectomy, could offer a long-term solution for managing recurrent streptococcal infections in PANDAS patients.
  • Further research and clinical guidelines are needed to establish the role of tonsillectomy in PANDAS management.

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