Clinical Management of Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome: Part III—Treatment and Prevention of Infections

Objectives: Pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS) and its subset, pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder associated with streptococcal infection (PANDAS), are emerging autoimmune encephalopathies of childhood. Management guidelines are needed. This article, from the PANS PANDAS Consortium, presents a consensus management guideline for the infection components. Accompanying papers from the Consortium discuss psychiatric and immunomodulatory management. Methods: Literature was reviewed and integrated with the clinical experience of the authors to provide a set of practical guidelines. This article was submitted to all members of the PANS PANDAS Consortium, and their additional comments were added. Results: The relationships between PANS and infections are reviewed. An approach to the retrospective diagnosis of group A streptococcal infection for an operational definition of PANDAS is proposed. An initial course of anti-streptococcal treatment is proposed for all newly diagnosed PANS cases. Chronic secondary antimicrobial prophylaxis is suggested for children with PANDAS who have severe neuropsychiatric symptoms or recurrent group A Streptococcus-associated exacerbations. Guidelines for children with non-streptococcal PANS include vigilance for streptococcal pharyngitis or dermatitis in the patient and close contacts. All patients with PANS or PANDAS should also be closely monitored for other intercurrent infections, including sinusitis and influenza. Intercurrent infections should be diagnosed and treated promptly according to current standard guidelines. A guideline for the assessment of infection at initial onset or during neuropsychiatric exacerbations is also presented. Standard immunizations and attention to vitamin D are encouraged. Data indicating limited utility of adenotonsillectomy and probiotics are presented. Conclusion: A working guideline for the management of infection issues in PANS and PANDAS, based on literature and expert opinion, is provided.