Background
- Controversial hypothesis that a subset of children with rapid onset of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or tic disorders caused by group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal (GABHS) infections[1]
- Hypothesis is that antibodies against the cell wall of the streptococcal bacteria cross-react with neuronal brain tissue in the basal ganglia to cause the tics and OCD that characterize PANDAS
Clinical Features
Differential Diagnosis
Evaluation
- Diagnostic criteria for PANDAS include[2]:
- OCD and/or tic disorder
- Pediatric onset (between three years and onset of puberty)
- Abrupt onset and episodic course of symptoms
- Temporal relation between GAS infection and onset and/or exacerbation
- GAS infection is confirmed by:
- Positive throat or skin culture or rapid antigen detection test for GAS at the beginning of a PANDAS exacerbation, or
- Clinically significant rise in antistreptococcal antibody between the onset of symptoms and four to six weeks later
- Neurologic abnormalities, such as motoric hyperactivity, choreiform movements, or tics during exacerbations
Management
Disposition
See Also
Streptococcal pharyngitis
External Links
References
- ↑ Moretti G, Pasquini M, Mandarelli G, Tarsitani L, Biondi M (2008). "What every psychiatrist should know about PANDAS: a review". Clin Pract Epidemol Ment Health. 4 (1): 13.
- ↑ Swedo SE, Leonard HL, Garvey M, et al. Pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections: clinical description of the first 50 cases. Am J Psychiatry. 1998;155(2):264-71.
