Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcus (PANDAS)

What is Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcus (PANDAS)?
Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcus (PANDAS) is the sudden, rapid-onset of obsessive-compulsive behavior, as well as possible movement and behavioral abnormalities, following a Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Strep) infection. More information about PANDAS may be found on the NIH’s website: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/pandas/index.shtml 

Another source of information is Neuroimmune Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit which advocates on behalf of individuals with neuroimmune and inflammatory brain conditions, including PANS and PANDAS. Their website is neuroimmune.org which contains high-quality, evidence-based resources. 

What is the prevalence of PANDAS?
It is believed that approximately one in 200 children are affected, according to PANDAS Network, a research nonprofit for the disease (http://pandasnetwork.org/). 

How is PANDAS diagnosed?
The diagnosis of PANDAS is a clinical diagnosis, which means that there are no lab tests that can diagnose PANDAS. Instead, healthcare providers use diagnostic criteria for the diagnosis of PANDAS (see below). At the present time, the clinical features of the illness are the only means of determining whether a child might have PANDAS.

Is there any specific gene/pathway in PANDAS that has been identified?
Consensus opinion is that PANDAS is in part caused by an autoimmune response to a strep infection. It is not associated with a particular genetic pathway. 

How is PANDAS treated?
The best treatment for acute episodes of PANDAS is to treat the strep infection causing the symptoms, if it is still present, with antibiotics.

Are there any clinical trials underway for PANDAS?
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has completed 12 clinical trials for PANDAS. Currently, there are 14 clinical trials underway for the condition. More information on future studies and patient recruitment can be found here: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?cond=pandas&term=&cntry=&state=&city=&dist= 

How can RareShare be helpful to PANDAS patients and families?
The PANDAS Rareshare community has 8 members. There are currently 0 active discussions underway. However, new discussions can help to connect patients, health workers, caregivers and families interested in PANDAS and provide them continual access to community resources.