PANS/PANDAS: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF DIAGNOSIS, CRITERIA, AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS

Abstract

The purpose of this literature review is to define, describe, and discuss pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS)/pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections (PANDAS) in the clinical setting. PANS/PANDAS is a type of autoimmune encephalopathy observed in children and presents with many symptoms such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), tics, regressions, eating restrictions, and more. The PANS/PANDAS diagnosis is contested in the clinical realm as it shares many components with other diseases such as Sydenham's chorea and rheumatic fever; however, there is ample evidence to set it apart as its own diagnosis. This review will describe the proposed physiological mechanism of PANS/PANDAS, as well as its triggers, predispositions, symptoms, and timeline. Lastly, this review will compare different methods of treatment, highlight future directions of research, and suggest recommendations to improve clinical management of PANS/PANDAS cases.