Study adds to knowledge of post-streptococcal disorders in children

A study published in the July 2004 issue of Archives of Diseases in Childhood reports data gathered by doctors at the Institute of Child Health, London, about children who develop neurological and psychological disorders after streptococcal infection. These disorders, known as PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal infections ) were diagnosed in 40 children, ages 1.2 to 16 years, who came to the medical center. These children had movement disorders, including Sydenham chorea (20 children), motor tics (16 children), and vocal tics (17 children). Acute emotional and/or behavioral changes were present in 33 children. The study authors hope that better understanding of PANDAS could lead to improved knowledge about the neurochemistry of other childhood diseases.