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PANDAS belongs to the group of childhood diseases. This disease is associated with sudden symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorders, various tics or other nervous and mental ailments. What is PANDAS and how do you recognize it in your baby? What are the clinical criteria for the diagnosis of PANDAS? Can PANDAS be effectively treated?
PANDAS team – basic information
PANDAS stands for “pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disordesr associated with streptococcal infections”. The first description of this disease appeared in 1998, therefore it can be said that it is a relatively new disease in the world of neuropsychiatry. PANDAS is an autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder that occurs in childhood patients. These disorders are associated with the occurrence of streptococcal infections. PANDAS syndrome affects children and adolescents who develop acute obsessive-compulsive disorder as well as various nervous tics after streptococcal infection. When the immune system fights pathogenic microbes, autoantibodies are also produced, which then target the structures of the brain.
PANDAS syndrome – causes
PANDAS syndrome is caused by infection with group A beta-haemolytic streptococci. These pathogens not only cause very severe disease symptoms, but also use antigenic mimicry. Streptococcus antigens are often similar to antigens that naturally occur in the human body. Therefore, antigens attack not only pathogenic molecules, but also normal structures. Hypotheses as to the causes of PANDAS are based on the presence of a reaction between antibodies and one of the structures of the brain.
- Group A hemolytic streptococci also causes red disease – rose.
PANDAS syndrome – symptoms
At the beginning of the diagnosis of PANDAS, this disorder was associated with Tourette’s syndrome, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and tics. These diseases were indicated by the symptoms that appeared in patients. Children with PANDAS struggle with symptoms such as:
- pick up;
- Tourette’s syndrome
- cognitive lack of flexibility;
- obsessive as well as quarrelsome behavior;
- problems with maintaining focus and attention;
- provocative behavior;
- problems with motor coordination;
- sleep disturbance and bedwetting.
PANDAS syndrome – diagnostic indications
The diagnosis of PANDAS is based on a clinical diagnosis. Currently, there is no access to any laboratory tests that would allow a clear diagnosis of the disease. A specialist doctor who diagnoses PANDAS syndrome in a patient most often considers other clinical criteria, including:
- obsessive-compulsive disorder, tics, ADHD symptoms;
- motor hyperactivity and the presence of unexpected movements;
- the onset of symptoms in childhood, i.e. from about 3 years of age to puberty;
- episodic symptoms – periods of seizures and remissions;
- previous streptococcal infection;
- previous occurrence of scarlet fever or rheumatic fever.
How is PANDAS treated?
Treatment of PANDAS syndrome must be preceded by an appropriate diagnosis. Patients are given intravenous infusions of human immunoglobulin over two days. Studies have shown that after a month of treatment, symptoms decrease by 50%. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is also used to treat PANDAS. Some doctors decide to administer antidepressants from the group of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
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