CE: PANDAS: Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infection.
Authors: Pabst C, Subasic K
Journal: The American journal of nursing
Anti-Bacterial Agents
Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
Antipsychotic Agents
Autoimmune Diseases
Child
Female
Humans
Male
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Parents
Patient Education as Topic
Prevalence
Prognosis
Streptococcal Infections
Abstract
If undiagnosed and untreated, pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infection (PANDAS) can suddenly and drastically disrupt the lives of previously healthy children and their families. The key to prompt diagnosis of PANDAS and its appropriate treatment is provider awareness that streptococcal infection may present with neuropsychiatric symptoms. The authors discuss the signs and symptoms that characterize PANDAS, as well as its presumed pathogenesis, and illustrate, through a composite case history, a symptom presentation, diagnostic journey, treatment course, and recovery that is representative of many PANDAS cases.