La Bella S, Attanasi M, Di Ludovico A, Scorrano G, Mainieri F, Ciarelli F, Lauriola F, Silvestrini L, Girlando V, Chiarelli F, et al. Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) Syndrome: A 10-Year Retrospective Cohort Study in an Italian Centre of Pediatric Rheumatology. Microorganisms. 2024; 12(1):8. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12010008
PANDAS syndrome, a rare condition in prepubertal children, presents with sudden tic disorders and/or OCD following a documented GAS infection. Current classification criteria lack specificity, resulting in misdiagnosis. In our study, 61 patients were screened by the Pediatric Rheumatology unit for suspected PANDAS, but only 19 met the criteria. Tic disorders, especially in the eyes and head/neck, were predominant, with common vocal tics and less documented OCD. Treatment with antibiotics often led to clinical improvement. Larger, controlled studies are essential to understanding PANDAS characteristics and therapeutic responses comprehensively.
Gabriella True
