PANDAS: behov for nasjonale retningslinjer

Abstract

Background: Pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections (PANDAS) was introduced in 1998. The hypothesis that acute tics and/or symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) might be triggered by streptococcal infection lacks scientific support. Patients are seen by several specialists, and treatment depends on knowledge and acceptance of the condition. This article provides an overview of literature investigating proposed treatments. Method: We performed a literature search in PubMed and Cochrane Library between 1 June 2019 and 17 July 2021. Results: 14 reviews were included. Suggested treatments comprised psychiatric treatment, antibiotics, tonsillectomy and immune modulating therapy. Recommendations were largely based on case reports and uncontrolled studies. Conclusion: Few studies have been conducted on PANDAS treatment, and none were evidence-based. Cooperation between different professions and establishment of national guidelines on how to approach these children are crucial. Keywords: PANDAS, post-infectious autoimmunity, neuropsychiatry, interdisciplinary