Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (Pandas) – a Review

Abstract

PANDAS are a rare disease in children which shows the relationship between group A beta hemolytic streptococcal infection with rapid onset of obsessive compulsive disorder and tic compulsive disorder. It has been proposed that children with PANDAS experience tics, obsessive-compulsive behavior, and perhaps other neuropsychiatric symptoms as an autoimmune response to streptococcal infection. This includes information on symptoms, pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment about PANDAS. Molecular mimicry hypothesis proposed mechanism for the PANDAS. Five main diagnostic criteria are proposed for identifying PANDAS. Treatment includes medicinal treatment along with experimental therapy which involves environmental modifications, stress management, infection control etc.On the basis of current information available PANDAS remains yet unproven hypothesis.