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Clinical factors associated with pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal

Tanya K Murphy1, Eric A Storch, Adam B Lewin

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of South Florida, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, USA. tmurphy@health.usf.edu

The Journal of Pediatrics
|August 27, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) show distinct clinical features. Identifying these factors aids in diagnosing this subtype of obsessive-compulsive disorder and tics.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Immunology
  • Psychiatry

Background:

  • Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) represent a subtype of childhood neuropsychiatric conditions.
  • Understanding the clinical profile of PANDAS is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and explore clinical factors associated with PANDAS in children.
  • To differentiate PANDAS from other presentations of tics and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 109 children with tics, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or both underwent comprehensive evaluation.
  • Methods included personal/family history, diagnostic interviews, physical exams, medical record review, and streptococcal antibody testing.

Main Results:

  • Children with PANDAS were more likely to exhibit dramatic onset and definite remissions.
  • Remission of neuropsychiatric symptoms during antibiotic therapy was noted in PANDAS cases.
  • History of tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy, Group A Streptococcus infection evidence, and clumsiness were associated with PANDAS.

Conclusions:

  • Specific clinical features are associated with PANDAS.
  • These identified features can aid in the risk delineation for this PANDAS subtype.
Abstract

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