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Gabriella True

Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome with Capgras Syndrome
Sharawat IK, Panda PK, Gupta R. Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome with Capgras Syndrome. Ann Indian Acad Neurol. 2021;24(4):600-601. doi:10.4103/aian.AIAN_959_20
This is believed to be the first reported case of Capgras syndrome in a child with PANS. A 9-year-old girl developed an acute onset of OCD behaviors, anorexia and emotional lability. Capgras syndrome is characterized by a specific monothematic delusion in which the patient believes that his/her relatives have been substituted by impostors who bear a close resemblance with the originals.
  • 3 weeks before symptoms, had acute pharyngotonsillitis, positive for strep.
  • Five days into the illness- increase in abnormal behavior and refused to recognize parents. Said they were replaced by some imposters and they are trying to hurt her.
  • Treated with Augmentin – OCD reduced in severity, appetite improved, started to acknowledge parents
Authors conclude: “Clinicians need to be aware of this rare monothematic delusion, as complete resolution can be achieved with timely treatment.”
Tetracyclines for COVID-19 Neurological and Neuropsychiatric Manifestations to treat Neuroinflammation

Tetracyclines for COVID-19 Neurological and Neuropsychiatric Manifestations to treat Neuroinflammation

Highlights

  • Neuropsychiatric symptoms were reported during COVID-19.
  • Coronaviruses have neuroinvasive potential and induce a potent neuroinflammatory response.
  • Tetracyclines can counteract neuroinflammation caused by neurotrophic viruses.
  • Tetracyclines interact with viral proteins presenting antiviral effects.
  • Tetracyclines represent a potential treatment for COVID-19 neuropsychiatric symptoms.

Chaves Filho, A.J.M., Gonçalves, F., Mottin, M. et al. Repurposing of Tetracyclines for COVID-19 Neurological and Neuropsychiatric Manifestations: A Valid Option to Control SARS-CoV-2-Associated Neuroinflammation?. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11481-021-09986-3

PANDAS and Persistent Lyme Disease With Neuropsychiatric Symptoms: Treatment, Resolution, and Recovery

Cross Amy, Bouboulis Denis, Shimasaki Craig, Jones Charles Ray. Case Report: PANDAS and Persistent Lyme Disease With Neuropsychiatric Symptoms: Treatment, Resolution, and Recovery. Frontiers in Psychiatry. Vol 12, 2021. DOI:10.3389/fpsyt.2021.505941  

The subject of this case report had a concomitant diagnosis of Lyme borreliosis and PANDAS, both of which are consistent with the neuropsychiatric symptoms she experienced. As evidenced by her recovery and resolution of symptoms, treating both the Lyme infection and streptococcal infection, as well as treating the underlying autoimmune etiology of her neuropsychiatric symptoms resulted in a successful outcome. This case report and treatment history reiterates the complex and challenging nature of infection-triggered autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders such as PANDAS and PANS and that multiple concomitant infectious agents can frequently be identified in patients suffering from these complex neuropsychiatric disorders. The presence of elevated antineuronal antibodies identified by the Cunningham Panel™ provided an aid in the diagnosis and in directing immunomodulatory treatment. The post-treatment resolution of these autoantibodies provided pathophysiological support for addressing both the infection(s) and the underlying immune system dysfunction which resulted in a positive medical outcome for this patient.

Read more at Moleculera.

Read more at ASPIRE.

Tics in patients with encephalitis

Badenoch, J., Searle, T., Watson, I. et al. Tics in patients with encephalitis. Neurol Sci (2021). DOI: 10.1007/s10072-021-05065-w

“Tics were most commonly reported in the post-encephalitic period and involvement of the basal ganglia was frequently observed….Despite these limitations, the first literature review evaluating the presence of tics in reported cases of encephalitis showed that tics have been sporadically reported in cases of encephalitis resulting from autoimmune, infective, and unknown aetiology. Specifically, tics have been more commonly reported in the post-encephalitic period and involvement of the basal ganglia was frequently found. Furthermore, the association of new-onset tics and encephalitis, in the background of other neuropsychiatric abnormalities, has clinical implications in potentially improving the detection of encephalitis based on clinical features. Future research should focus on the categorisation and treatment of hyperkinetic movement disorders associated with encephalitis.”

Rare Disease Day 2021
January 21, 2021
Rare Disease Day 2021

Whether you think PANS/PANDAS is a Rare Disease or actually just rarely diagnosed, it is a day to educate people about PANS/PANDAS. The main objective of Rare Disease Day is to raise awareness...

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Differential binding of antibodies in PANDAS patients to cholinergic interneurons in the striatum

Differential binding of antibodies in PANDAS patients to cholinergic interneurons in the striatum

Frick LR, Rapanelli M, Jindachomthong K, et al. Differential binding of antibodies in PANDAS patients to cholinergic interneurons in the striatum. Brain Behav Immun. 2018;69:304-311. doi:10.1016/j.bbi.2017.12.004

“In summary, our in vivo approach to characterizing antibody reactivity in patients with PANDAS has identified a novel candidate pathophysiology: specific autoantibody binding to striatal cholinergic interneurons. This focus on cholinergic interneurons fits well with the developing appreciation of the role of these cells in tic disorders. Identification of the specific antigens on these cells and the functional consequences of antibody binding may open new avenues for the understanding and treatment of PANDAS and related conditions.”

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