Research
PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal infections)
Research into PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal infections) shows how infections, autoimmune responses, and other immune-mediated processes can drive inflammation in the brain, potentially triggering or worsening neuropsychiatric or neurocognitive symptoms
Featured and Impactful Research
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Associated with Autoimmunity in Youth: Clinical Course before and after Rituximab ± Adjunctive Immunomodulation
Authors: Stanford Immune Behavioral Health Clinic group
Journal: Developmental Neuroscience, 2024
DOI: 10.1159/000923368
Brief Summary: This study examines youth with autoimmune-associated OCD, demonstrating that immunotherapy may lead to clinical improvement, supporting an immune-mediated subtype of OCD.
Pediatric acute onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS) and pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections (PANDAS): Immunological features underpinning controversial entities
Authors: Leonardi, L., Perna, C., Bernabei, I., et al.
Journal: Children, 2024
DOI: 10.3390/children11091043
Brief Summary: This study explores the immunological profiles of PANS and PANDAS, highlighting overlapping immune features.
Immunological characterization of an Italian PANDAS cohort
Authors: (Multiple authors; Frontiers group)
Journal: Frontiers in Pediatrics, 2023
DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1216282
Brief Summary: Examines immune profiles in PANDAS patients, suggesting persistent inflammatory activity and cytokine involvement (e.g., IL-17, TNF-α) in disease pathophysiology.
Antibodies From Children With PANDAS Bind Specifically to Striatal Cholinergic Interneurons and Alter Their Activity
Authors: Xu, J., Liu, R. J., Fahey, S., et al.
Journal: American Journal of Psychiatry, 2021
DOI: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2020.19070698
Brief Summary: Demonstrates that autoantibodies in PANDAS target specific striatal neurons and alter neuronal signaling, supporting a direct autoimmune mechanism.
Clinical Management of Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome: Part II—Use of Immunomodulatory Therapies
Authors: Frankovich, J., Swedo, S., Murphy, T., et al.
Journal: Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, 2017
DOI: 10.1089/cap.2016.0148
Brief Summary: Reviews immunomodulatory therapies such as IVIG and corticosteroids, providing treatment recommendations for PANS/PANDAS.
Multidisciplinary Clinic Dedicated to Treating Youth with Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome: Presenting Characteristics of the First 47 Consecutive Patients
Authors: Frankovich, J., Thienemann, M., Pearlstein, J., et al.
Journal: Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, 2015
DOI: 10.1089/cap.2014.0081
Brief Summary: Describes clinical heterogeneity and complexity in early PANS/PANDAS cohorts seen in a specialized multidisciplinary clinic.
Autoantibodies in Tourette syndrome, OCD, and PANDAS
Authors: Singer, H. S., et al.
Journal: Journal of Child Neurology, 2015
DOI: 10.1177/0883073814547902
Brief Summary: Investigates autoantibody presence across related neuropsychiatric conditions, supporting an immune-mediated component in PANDAS.
Antibodies to basal ganglia in children with tic disorders
Authors: Dale, R. C., et al.
Journal: Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, 2005
DOI: 10.1136/jnnp.2003.038323
Brief Summary: Identifies anti-basal ganglia antibodies in pediatric tic disorders, supporting autoimmune involvement in PANDAS-like conditions.
Pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections: Clinical description of the first 50 cases
Authors: Swedo, S. E., Leonard, H. L., Garvey, M., et al.
Journal: American Journal of Psychiatry, 1998
DOI: 10.1176/ajp.155.2.264
Brief Summary: Foundational study describing abrupt onset OCD and tics following streptococcal infection, establishing PANDAS as a clinical entity.
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