Cumulating evidence has shown that PANS is associated with inflammation, dysregulation of immune cells, and importantly for this proposal, autoimmunity. Key inhibitors of autoimmunity are regulatory T cells (Tregs), a… Read more »
Monoclonal D8/17 positivity: A possible peripheral marker for some forms of OCD
Sydenham’s chorea is a type of rheumatic fever that may result from infections like strep throat, and which shares symptoms with OCD and Tourette syndrome. Previous research showed that an… Read more »
Cytokine production in patients with OCD
Chronic and prolonged stress coupled with a long period of grief and despair can lead to an increased vulnerability to illness through their effects on the immune system. As a… Read more »
GABHS induced OCD (PANDAS): Analysis of clinical and neurobiological response to antibiotic treatment
Although group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal (GABHS) infections typically cause symptoms such as “strep throat”, research at the time began to look at their connection to PANDAS — the sudden onset… Read more »
T-cell characterization after Streptococcal M-protein inoculation and superantigen administration: A role for superantigens in neuropsychiatric disorders
One angle of research into PANDAS/PANS looked at Group A Streptococcus — the bacteria responsible for strep throat infections that cause neuroinflammation and the development of OCD symptoms in some… Read more »
Cytokine levels and genes in childhood OCD: A longitudinal study
PANDAS/PANS creates symptoms of OCD that can wax and wane over time. Research at the time showed that patients with PANDAS/PANS are more likely to respond to medications and cognitive… Read more »
In vivo identification of antibody targets in PANDAS/PANS
At the time of this study, one proposed method by which PANDAS/PANS takes hold in patients is the autoimmune response of antibodies made to fight Group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus (GABHS;… Read more »
PANDAS autoantibodies and the blood-brain barrier
Infections with S. pyogenes (GAS) are associated with brain autoimmune disorders: Sydenham’s chorea (SC) and Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal infections (PANDAS). Autoantibodies form when the immune system fails to… Read more »
Celecoxib as an adjunct to treatment as usual in childhood-onset OCD: A double-blind randomized controlled trial
PANDAS/PANS is associated with neuroinflammation that leads to sudden and acute OCD symptoms developing in children, seemingly overnight. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like celecoxib (brand name “Celebrex”) are increasingly recommended… Read more »
Assessing correlates of neuroinflammation in children with PANDAS, obsessive compulsive disorder, and healthy controls using Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Inflammation of the brain is suspected to be present in children with PANDAS, but confirming this hypothesis is difficult. The best tools for revealing brain inflammation expose patients to ionizing… Read more »