Wells L, O’Hara N, Frye RE, Hullavard N, Smith E. Folate Receptor Alpha Autoantibodies in the Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) and Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) Population. Journal of Personalized Medicine. 2024; 14(2):166. https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm14020166
Folate receptor alpha autoantibodies (FRAAs) are linked to two conditions: cerebral folate deficiency (CFD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These conditions share similarities with Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) and Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS).
- The research suggests that FRAAs might play a role in PANS/PANDAS symptoms.
- Blood samples from 47 young patients diagnosed with PANS/PANDAS were sent for FRAA analysis.
- 63.8% of these patients had FRAAs, with various types present.
- Surprisingly, lower FRAA levels were associated with ASD, while higher levels were linked to severe tics.
- A case study shows treatment with leucovorin improved symptoms in a FRAA-positive PANS/PANDAS patient.
- These findings suggest that FRAAs are linked to PANS/PANDAS and that issues with folate metabolism might contribute to symptoms. Further research on leucovorin’s potential in treating PANS/PANDAS is necessary, offering a promising alternative treatment option