Children With Sydenham Chorea and Psychiatric Disorders Had Variable Long-Term Outcomes and Required...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Neurology
• Child Psychiatry
• Infectious Disease

Background:

• Sydenham chorea (SC) is a significant post-streptococcal neuropsychiatric condition in children, though less common in Western Europe.
• This study focuses on the neuropsychiatric manifestations and long-term outcomes of SC in pediatric patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the long-term neuropsychiatric features and outcomes of Sydenham chorea in children.
• To identify associated psychopathology, co-occurring conditions, and management needs.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective single-center study of 12 children referred to a pediatric neurology department.
• Data collected via interviews on SC course, medical/family history, and semi-structured psychiatric interviews.

Main Results:

• Most participants had a significant delay in SC diagnosis and experienced debilitating physical symptoms.
• Anxiety and ADHD were common psychiatric comorbidities; 11 children had multiple psychiatric diagnoses.
• Nine children experienced relapses, highlighting the chronic and relapsing nature of SC neuropsychiatric sequelae.

Conclusions:

• Children with Sydenham chorea and psychiatric disorders exhibit variable long-term outcomes.
• Effective management necessitates a multidisciplinary approach involving various specialists and ongoing support.