Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Dalia Dop, Iulia Rahela Marcu, Rodica Padureanu, Carmen Elena Niculescu, Vlad Padureanu
Summary: PANDAS is clinically characterized by sudden onset of obsessive-compulsive manifestations, motor and verbal tics, and other behavioral symptoms in children with streptococcal infection. It is considered an autoimmune disease with molecular mimicry as the most frequent physiopathological mechanism. Diagnosis relies on clinical presentation and detailed medical history, while treatment options are complex.
EXPERIMENTAL AND THERAPEUTIC MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Aya Aboulhosn, Misu A. Sanson, Luis Alberto Vega, Maria G. Segura, Sommer Sommer, Marritta Joseph, J. Chase McNeil, Anthony R. Flores
Summary: Starting from October 2022, there has been a notable rise in the number of cases of invasive group A Streptococcus (GAS) disease among children in Houston, Texas. The prevalence of Emm12 GAS strains was disproportionately higher, but the overall proportion of invasive GAS infections during the current surge remains similar to pre-pandemic years.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Review
Pediatrics
Adriana Prato, Mariangela Gulisano, Miriam Scerbo, Rita Barone, Carmelo M. Vicario, Renata Rizzo
Summary: PANDAS is a clinical condition characterized by the sudden onset of OCD and/or tics in children with streptococcal infections, often accompanied by other behavioral symptoms. Related disorders include PANS, CANS, and PITANDs. Despite being controversial since its definition in 1998, further research is needed to improve knowledge on these conditions.
FRONTIERS IN PEDIATRICS
(2021)
Review
Microbiology
Saverio La Bella, Giovanna Scorrano, Marta Rinaldi, Armando Di Ludovico, Francesca Mainieri, Marina Attanasi, Alberto Spalice, Francesco Chiarelli, Luciana Breda
Summary: Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) syndrome is a controversial disease in pediatric rheumatology, with difficulties in diagnosis and treatment. Recent research has focused on animal models and understanding the molecular mechanisms.
Editorial Material
Critical Care Medicine
Priya Venkatesan
Summary: Scarlet fever usually increases in the spring, but the current increase in cases in October may be due to a build-up of susceptible children. Decreased exposure to streptococcus during the pandemic may have slowed the natural accrual of immunity levels in children. The reasons for the unseasonal increase in activity are yet to be determined, and similar increases are being reported in several other countries.
LANCET RESPIRATORY MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Loredana Matis, Bogdana Ariana Alexandru, Timea Claudia Ghitea
Summary: The interaction between the central nervous system and the gut plays a crucial role in the mental and physical wellbeing of children with neuropsychiatric disorders. This study aims to assess catecholamine levels and their impact on psychoemotional symptoms and cognitive performance. The research seeks to identify the significance of modifying neurotransmitter levels in pediatric medical interventions to reduce mental health risks and enhance children's development.
Article
Pediatrics
Rose Guo, Frank D. Mentch, Dong Li, Erin E. Will, Rebecca C. Ahrens-Nicklas, Elizabeth J. Bhoj
Summary: This study evaluated the Mendelian causes of neurodegenerative disorders in a cohort of pediatric patients. The researchers identified patients with neurodegenerative symptoms from a biobank and conducted a detailed chart review to diagnose the genetic disorders. The study found that the cohort demonstrated diverse diseases and pathophysiology responsible for pediatric neurodegeneration, with common diagnoses including Rett syndrome, mitochondrial disorders, and neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses. The results highlight the importance of continued research efforts in this field, as many patients remained undiagnosed despite genetic evaluations.
JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Yuanyuan Wang, Jens H. Bos, Catharina C. M. Schuiling-Veninga, H. Marike Boezen, Job F. M. van Boven, Bob Wilffert, Eelko Hak
Summary: The study found that there was a lower incidence of NPAEs among general population using varenicline compared to nicotine replacement therapy, while there was no significant difference in NPAEs incidence between COPD patients using varenicline and NRT.
Article
Pediatrics
Sarah L. L. O'Dor, Saffron Homayoun, Olivia M. M. Downer, Mary A. A. Hamel, Julia S. S. Zagaroli, Kyle A. A. Williams
Summary: This study describes the comorbid medical and psychiatric conditions in a self-referred cohort of pediatric patients with PANS/PANDAS, along with the high prevalence of autoimmune and psychiatric conditions in family members. The caregivers of these patients experience elevated levels of burden, stress, anxiety, and depression.
JOURNAL OF CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Adrian M. Piliponsky, Kavita Sharma, Phoenicia Quach, Alyssa Brokaw, Shayla Nguyen, Austyn Orvis, Siddhartha S. Saha, Nyssa Becker Samanas, Ravin Seepersaud, Yu Ping Tang, Emily Mackey, Gauri Bhise, Claire Gendrin, Anna Furuta, Albert J. Seo, Eric Guga, Irina Miralda, Michelle Coleman, Erin L. Sweeney, Charlotte A. Bauml, Diana Imhof, Jessica M. Snyder, Adam J. Moeser, Lakshmi Rajagopal
Summary: The study demonstrates that FXIIIA deficiency increases susceptibility to GBS infections in female mice. The presence of FXIIIA enhances host resistance to GBS infection, while inhibition of FXIIIA decreases host resistance. Sexual dimorphism and mast cells play a role in FXIIIA expression and its interactions with GBS adhesins.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Mary K. Colvin, Savannah Erwin, Priyanka R. Alluri, Alexandra Laffer, Kathryn Pasquariello, Kyle A. Williams
Summary: This study examined the neuropsychological skills of PANDAS patients following resolution of acute symptoms, as well as persistent social, emotional, and academic difficulties. Results showed relative difficulties in cognitive efficiency supporting skills, with some patients requiring special education services or accommodations.
JOURNAL OF NEUROPSYCHIATRY AND CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Julie Bennett, Nicole J. Moreland, Jane Zhang, Julian Crane, Dianne Sika-Paotonu, Jonathan Carapetis, Deborah A. Williamson, Michael G. Baker
Summary: This study aimed to identify factors associated with Group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis and skin infections and determine if these factors are the same as those for acute rheumatic fever (ARF). A case-control study was conducted on 733 children aged 5-14 years, and it was found that barriers to accessing primary healthcare are strongly associated with GAS pharyngitis, GAS carriage, and GAS skin infections.
LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH-WESTERN PACIFIC
(2022)
Article
Virology
Kevin Sheng-Kai Ma, Ning-Chien Chin, Ting-Yu Tu, Yao-Cheng Wu, Hei-Tung Yip, James Cheng-Chung Wei, Ren-in Chang
Summary: This cohort study investigated the correlation between HPV infections and the risk of osteoporosis. It found that patients with HPV infections had a significantly higher risk of osteoporosis. Subgroup analysis revealed that females, those aged between 60 and 80 years, and patients with long-term use of glucocorticoids were at greater risk. Furthermore, treatments for HPV infections attenuated the risk of HPV-associated osteoporosis.
Article
Immunology
Seilesh Kadambari, Caroline L. Trotter, Paul T. Heath, Michael J. Goldacre, Andrew J. Pollard, Raphael Goldacre
Summary: This study assessed the burden of GBS disease and mortality in young infants in England, finding that there was no significant change in the annual incidence of GBS disease over the years, but a significant decline in GBS-attributable mortality. Infants with GBS had higher rates of visual impairment, cerebral palsy, hydrocephalus, and necrotizing enterocolitis compared to those without GBS.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Dafni Katerina Paspaliari, Emmi Sarvikivil, Jukka Ollgrenl, Jaana Vuopio
Summary: The incidence of invasive beta-haemolytic streptococcal infections in Finland has been increasing since 2006, especially for C/G type, and among the elderly population. However, the current surveillance system still focuses on group A and B, and there is a lack of European Union-wide surveillance. We recommend enhancing the surveillance of C/G type, including systematic collection and typing of isolates, to guide infection prevention strategies.