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PANDAS
PANDAS

PANDAS: stands for Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections. It is a children's autoimmune disease. First brought into the mainstream in the early 1990's by Dr. Susan Swedo {5}. PANDAS is caused by the body's immune reaction to strep, not the infection itself. When it does occur the body manufactures proteins that are antibodies and can be measured{3}. This disease is newly being diagnosed and treatments are being worked on. PANDAS is rare and also controversial in the medical field. One in 2000 are affected but that number is inconclusive due to a large amount misdiagnosis{1}.

CHARACTERISTICS: The symptoms come on overnight. The neuropsychiatric symptoms are OCD (anxiety, phobias, fears) and or Tics (rapid eye movement, facial gestures, body jerking) these are the largest indicators. Many others have the with OCD and Tics also experience, anxiety, hyperactivity, inattention, sleep disturbance, joint pain, soiling issues, School issues (math and handwriting skills), fine and motor changes and sensitivity to light{4}.

DIAGNOSIS: The infection (strep throat/LYME disease) usually occurs before the symptoms. The infection stays and somehow merges into the bloodstream and travels to the brain. Once the rapid onset of symptoms occur the doctor will order a blood test. They will be watching the ASO Titer (Anti-Streptolysin O). Blood work will be taken at 2,4 and 8 weeks. They will be watching the ASO Titer it should be no greater than 170. The higher the number the worse the symptoms{1}{4}. The Diagnosis criteria for PANDAS is: {1} -Presence of obsessive compulsive disorder and/or a tic disorder -Pediatric Onset of Symptoms (age 3 to puberty) -Episodic course of symptoms severity -Association with group A Beta-hemolytic streptococcal infection (positive throat culture for strep or history of Scarlet Fever) -Association with neurological abnormalities (motoric hyperactivity, or adventitious movements, such as choreiform movements).

TREATMENTS: Most common treatment is a long course of antibiotics (minimum of 6 months). The pediatricians all dislike this they feel that to possibly solve one problem others are created. Building up immunity to antibiotics, stomach issues, and other issues that are not known yet{1}{4}. Behavioral therapy is also recommended to help with all the OCD emotional factors{1}{3}. The most controversial treatment is IVIG (intravenous immunoglobulin) its a plasma exchange. This plasma is done through IV over several treatments. It is like "Dialysis" of hemoglobin{1}{3}{4}{7}.