PANDAS Syndrome. Parents, Pay Attention to These Symptoms!
PANDAS syndrome is an abbreviation derived from English words. It refers to pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infection. When the condition develops, behavioral disorders in the child appear suddenly, along with neurological symptoms. This condition is considered rare, although its prevalence is likely underestimated. It has not been identified in adults.
Causes of PANDAS Syndrome in Children
The pathological condition is based on an abnormal immune response to a previous illness.
What causes PANDAS syndrome:
- The direct cause is an infection caused by group A beta-hemolytic streptococci, including Streptococcus pyogenes.
- Infection with this microorganism is common in children, especially between the ages of 3 and 15.
- Streptococcus pyogenes causes strep throat and scarlet fever.
The mechanism that triggers the pathology after a streptococcal infection is not fully understood. It is likely related to an immune response directed against the body’s own tissues, with antibodies attacking specific brain structures.
PANDAS Syndrome – Symptoms and Manifestations
Children with this condition exhibit various signs. Symptoms appear suddenly and occur periodically with a tendency to relapse. They are episodic in nature. The most common are psychological and neurological disorders of varying severity.
PANDAS is characterized by mental disorders, including:
- Depression.
- Bedwetting (nocturnal enuresis).
- Sudden mood swings with irritability and tantrums.
- Sleep disturbances.
- Obsessive-compulsive disorders associated with intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors. The child finds it difficult to resist them, as they cause tension and anxiety.
- Loss of appetite.
- Difficulty concentrating and excessive motor activity.
Separation anxiety is also common.
Neurological signs include:
- Impaired coordination.
- Loss of certain motor skills, such as writing ability.
- Increased sensitivity to light and/or sound.
The child may perform repetitive movements they cannot control (such as blinking or head movements). Tics may also include the utterance of various words, sometimes inappropriate.
PANDAS Syndrome – Diagnosis
The doctor makes a diagnosis based on medical history and clinical findings from a physical examination. To confirm the diagnosis, it is necessary to establish that the child had a group A streptococcal infection (e.g., strep throat or scarlet fever).
Diagnostic criteria:
- The child has tics and/or obsessive-compulsive disorder.
- Age – symptoms begin before puberty.
- Sudden onset of symptoms with periods of remission and exacerbation.
- Symptoms are preceded by infection with Streptococcus pyogenes.
- Presence of neurological symptoms such as excessive motor activity or poor coordination.
Diagnosis of PANDAS at the Vivere clinic is supplemented with neuroimmunological tests and electroencephalography.
PANDAS Treatment at VIVERE CLINIC
Various therapeutic methods are used to treat the condition. Doctors at the clinic follow a comprehensive approach. The basis is antibiotic therapy (usually penicillin) if the child has a group A streptococcal infection (e.g., strep throat). Cognitive behavioral therapy is also used to alleviate mental disorders. In some cases, anti-inflammatory treatment is prescribed.
These include:
- Nonsteroidal drugs.
- Glucocorticosteroids.
- Intravenous immunoglobulins.
- Blood purification procedures (plasmapheresis).
The recurrent nature of the disease requires time to achieve positive results.
