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Dore S, Satta D, Zinellu A, Boscia G, Carta A, Fruschelli M, Serra R, Pinna A. Ocular Tics and Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS). Diseases 2024; 12:83. [PMID: 38785738 PMCID: PMC11120000 DOI: 10.3390/diseases12050083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Little is known about ocular tics in Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders associated with Streptococcal infections (PANDAS). In this retrospective study, we examined the clinical records of children with motor tics referred to the Ophthalmology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Sassari, Italy, in 2010-2019. The presence of ocular tics was investigated. Data about antistreptolysin O (ASO) and anti-DNase B antibody titers, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), plasma C-reactive protein (CRP), and antibiotic use were recorded. Forty children (thirty-four boys and six girls; mean age: 7.65 ± 2.5 years) with motor tics were identified; thirty-three (82.5%) showed ocular tics. Children with ocular tics had significantly higher titers of anti-DNase B antibodies (p = 0.04) and CRP (p = 0.016) than those with extraocular tics. A diagnosis of PANDAS was made in 24 (60%) children. PANDAS children with oculomotor tics had significantly higher titers of anti-DNase B antibodies (p = 0.05) than those with extraocular tics. Oral antibiotics were given to 25/33 (76%) children with ocular tics and 21/24 (87.5%) with PANDAS. All treated patients showed marked improvement/complete resolution of symptoms. Results suggest that higher titers of anti-DNase B antibodies may be implicated in the pathogenesis of ocular tics in PANDAS. Oral antibiotics may be beneficial in improving ocular tics. Further research is necessary to confirm our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Dore
- Department of Medicine, Surgery, and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (S.D.); (D.S.); (R.S.)
- Ophthalmology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Daniele Satta
- Department of Medicine, Surgery, and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (S.D.); (D.S.); (R.S.)
| | - Angelo Zinellu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy;
| | - Giacomo Boscia
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy;
| | - Arturo Carta
- Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy;
| | - Mario Fruschelli
- Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy;
| | - Rita Serra
- Department of Medicine, Surgery, and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (S.D.); (D.S.); (R.S.)
| | - Antonio Pinna
- Department of Medicine, Surgery, and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (S.D.); (D.S.); (R.S.)
- Ophthalmology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
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Newby MJ, Lane SJ, Haracz K, Tona J, Palazzi K, Lambkin D. Sensory processing in children with Paediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome. Aust Occup Ther J 2024. [PMID: 38279842 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1630.12935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Previous research indicates that children with Paediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) experience sensory reactivity differences that impact occupational performance. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there are differences in sensory reactivity in these children across two different time points; during exacerbation and during remission, using the Sensory Processing Measure (SPM) Home-Form. The study also sought to investigate whether children with PANS experience sensory differences during remission periods, when compared with SPM Home-Form norms. METHODS A two-period bidirectional case-crossover design was used, and an online assessment was conducted to measure sensory reactivity. Parents of children aged 4.6 to 13.1 years with a diagnosis of PANS were recruited from various sites across Australia, USA, England, Ireland, Scotland, Canada, and New Zealand. The SPM Home-Form was used to measure sensory reactivity at two time points, when PANS was in remission (T-R) and in exacerbation (T-E). Study entry was permitted at either T-E or T-R. Participant exacerbation status was monitored over a maximum 12-month period, and a follow-up SPM Home-Form was sent when a change in exacerbation status was indicated. A linear mixed model was used to assess the difference between SPM Home-Form norm-referenced scores during exacerbation and remission. RESULTS The study included 82 participants, with 80 providing data at study entry, and 27 providing data at follow-up. Results showed a statistically significant decline in performance across the SPM Home-Form domains of Hearing, Social Participation, Planning and Ideas, and Total Sensory Systems T-scores during exacerbation when compared with remission data. Results also demonstrated atypical sensory reactivity across Vision, Hearing, Touch, Balance and Motion, and Total Sensory Systems domains during periods of remission compared with SPM Home-Form norms. CONCLUSION This study found that children with PANS experience significant sensory reactivity differences during exacerbation and remission across multiple sensory domains, with a decline in performance during exacerbation. Where there are occupational performance challenges, occupational therapists should consider administering sensory assessments so that effective intervention plans addressing the unique sensory reactivity needs of children with PANS can be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle J Newby
- Stepping Stones Therapy for Children, Charlestown, New South Wales, Australia
- Occupational Therapy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, School of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Shelly J Lane
- Occupational Therapy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, School of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Kirsti Haracz
- Occupational Therapy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, School of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Janice Tona
- Rehabilitation Science Department, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Kerrin Palazzi
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David Lambkin
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
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Eremija J, Patel S, Rice S, Daines M. Intravenous immunoglobulin treatment improves multiple neuropsychiatric outcomes in patients with pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1229150. [PMID: 37908968 PMCID: PMC10613689 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1229150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) is defined by acute onset of diverse neuropsychiatric manifestations, presumably in the setting of underlying immune dysfunction. We used standardized neuropsychological testing to assess how intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) impact neurological and cognitive functions in PANS patients by comparing pretreatment with post-treatment scores. A 5-year retrospective study was undertaken in Children's Postinfectious Autoimmune Encephalopathy Center at University of Arizona. We identified 12 children diagnosed with PANS and treated with immunomodulatory IVIG doses, who also completed neuropsychological testing before and after treatment. We tracked multiple patient characteristics, type/timeline of testing, and number of IVIG courses. Score change of 1 standard deviation in any tested domain/subdomain was considered improvement. We further reviewed records for laboratory signs of triggering infection and immune dysfunction. Improvement occurred in 11/12 patients, in one or multiple domains/subdomains, independently of time between disease onset and IVIG initiation (0-7 years). Participants received 1-7 IVIG courses. Improvement was primarily seen in memory (58%), sensory-motor (37%) and visual-motor integration (30%). In 5/12 patients we detected hypogammaglobulinemia requiring ongoing IVIG replacement, one patient had isolated low IgA. Only one patient had to discontinue IVIG therapy due to severe adverse effects. Standardized neuropsychological testing represents an important tool to objectively measure improvement in PANS patients. IVIG was tolerated well and showed efficacy in the vast majority of participants, independently from timelapse since disease onset, emphasizing impact of immunomodulation in PANS. Significant presence of baseline hypogammaglobulinemia in children with PANS emphasizes the presumed role of immune dysfunction in disease pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Eremija
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Sanjay Patel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ, United States
| | - Sydney Rice
- Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Michael Daines
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
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Gagliano A, Carta A, Tanca MG, Sotgiu S. Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome: Current Perspectives. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2023; 19:1221-1250. [PMID: 37251418 PMCID: PMC10225150 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s362202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS) features a heterogeneous constellation of acute obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), eating restriction, cognitive, behavioral and/or affective symptoms, often followed by a chronic course with cognitive deterioration. An immune-mediated etiology is advocated in which the CNS is hit by different pathogen-driven (auto)immune responses. This narrative review focused on recent clinical (ie, diagnostic criteria, pre-existing neurodevelopmental disorders, neuroimaging) and pathophysiological (ie, CSF, serum, genetic and autoimmune findings) aspects of PANS. We also summarized recent points to facilitate practitioners with the disease management. Relevant literature was obtained from PubMed database which included only English-written, full-text clinical studies, case reports, and reviews. Among a total of 1005 articles, 205 were pertinent to study inclusion. Expert opinions are converging on PANS as the effect of post-infectious events or stressors leading to "brain inflammation", as it is well-established for anti-neuronal psychosis. Interestingly, differentiating PANS from either autoimmune encephalitides and Sydenham's chorea or from alleged "pure" psychiatric disorders (OCD, tics, Tourette's syndrome), reveals several overlaps and more analogies than differences. Our review highlights the need for a comprehensive algorithm to help both patients during their acute distressing phase and physicians during their treatment decision. A full agreement on the hierarchy of each therapeutical intervention is missing owing to the limited number of randomized controlled trials. The current approach to PANS treatment emphasizes immunomodulation/anti-inflammatory treatments in association with both psychotropic and cognitive-behavioral therapies, while antibiotics are suggested when an active bacterial infection is established. A dimensional view, taking into account the multifactorial origin of psychiatric disorders, should suggest neuro-inflammation as a possible shared substrate of different psychiatric phenotypes. Hence, PANS and PANS-related disorders should be considered as a conceptual framework describing the etiological and phenotypical complexity of many psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Gagliano
- Department of Health Science, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari & "A. Cao" Paediatric Hospital, Child & Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alessandra Carta
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, Unit of Child Neuropsychiatry, Sassari, Italy
| | - Marcello G Tanca
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari & "A. Cao" Paediatric Hospital, Child & Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Stefano Sotgiu
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, Unit of Child Neuropsychiatry, Sassari, Italy
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Berloffa S, Salvati A, Pantalone G, Falcioni L, Rizzi MM, Naldini F, Masi G, Gagliano A. Steroid treatment response to post SARS-CoV-2 PANS symptoms: Case series. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1085948. [PMID: 36864920 PMCID: PMC9972432 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1085948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS) is characterized by a wide spectrum of symptoms, including the onset of obsessive-compulsive disorder and/or severely restricted food intake, associated with emotional symptoms, behavioral symptoms, developmental regression, and somatic symptoms. Among the possible triggering agents, infectious agents have been extensively explored. More recently, sporadic case reports describe a possible association between PANS and SARS-CoV-2 infection but data on clinical presentation and treatment are still scarce. Methods We describe a case series (10 children) with acute onset or relapse of PANS symptoms after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Standardized measures (CBCL, CPRS, C-GAS, CGI-S, Y-BOCS, PANSS, and YGTSS) were used to describe the clinical picture. The efficacy of a pulse treatment with steroids for three consecutive months was assessed. Results Our data suggest that the clinical presentation of the COVID-19-triggered PANS is largely similar to that reported in typical PANS, including acute onset, with OCD and/or eating disorders, and associated symptoms. Our data suggest that treatment with corticosteroids may be beneficial for both global clinical severity and global functioning. No serious adverse effects were observed. Both OCD symptoms and tics consistently improved. Among psychiatric symptoms, affective and oppositional symptoms appeared more sensitive to the steroid treatment than the other symptoms. Conclusion Our study confirms that COVID-19 infection in children and adolescents could trigger acute-onset neuropsychiatric symptoms. Thus, in children and adolescents with COVID-19, a specific neuropsychiatric follow-up should be routinely included. Even if a small sample size and a follow-up with only two points (baseline and endpoint, after 8 weeks) limit the conclusions, it seems that steroid treatment in the acute phase may be beneficial and well tolerated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Berloffa
- IRCCS Stella Maris, Scientific Institute of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Pisa, Italy
| | - Andrea Salvati
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Gloria Pantalone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Ludovica Falcioni
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Biomedical Science, University of Cagliari & “A. Cao” Pediatric Hospital, Brotzu Hospital Trust, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Micaela M. Rizzi
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Biomedical Science, University of Cagliari & “A. Cao” Pediatric Hospital, Brotzu Hospital Trust, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Francesca Naldini
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Biomedical Science, University of Cagliari & “A. Cao” Pediatric Hospital, Brotzu Hospital Trust, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Gabriele Masi
- IRCCS Stella Maris, Scientific Institute of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Pisa, Italy
| | - Antonella Gagliano
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Biomedical Science, University of Cagliari & “A. Cao” Pediatric Hospital, Brotzu Hospital Trust, Cagliari, Italy,Neurology Unit, Department of Neurology of Health Science, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy,*Correspondence: Antonella Gagliano ✉
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Bejerot S, Hylén U, Glans M, Hesselmark E, Humble MB. Joint Hypermobility in Paediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome-A Preliminary Case-Control Study. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:797165. [PMID: 34925114 PMCID: PMC8678126 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.797165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Individuals with generalised joint hypermobility (GJH, present in 10-20% of the general population) are at increased risk of being diagnosed with a range of psychiatric and rheumatological conditions. It is unknown whether Paediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS), characterised by childhood onset obsessive-compulsive disorder or restricted eating and typically associated with several comorbid neuropsychiatric symptoms, is associated with GJH. It is also unknown whether extensive psychiatric comorbidity is associated with GJH. Method: This is a case-control study including 105 participants. We compared three groups: Individuals with PANS, individuals with other mental disorders and healthy controls. Joint mobility was assessed with the Beighton scoring system, psychiatric comorbidity with the M.I.N.I. or MINI-KID interview and symptoms of PANS with the PsychoNeuroInflammatory related Signs and Symptoms Inventory (PNISSI). Results: Hypermobility was similar across groups, and high rates of psychiatric comorbidity was not associated with higher Beighton scores. Conclusion: Although GJH is associated with several psychiatric conditions, such as ADHD and anxiety, this does not seem to be the case for PANS according to this preliminary study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Bejerot
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University Health Care Research Center, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.,School of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Ulrika Hylén
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University Health Care Research Center, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.,School of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Martin Glans
- School of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Eva Hesselmark
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, CAP Research Center, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mats B Humble
- School of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
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