Neurocognitive functioning in youth with pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcus

J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2011 Fall;23(4):391-8. doi: 10.1176/jnp.23.4.jnp391.

Abstract

This study evaluated neurocognitive functioning in 26 youth with Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal infections (PANDAS) and primarily obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms. Marked impairment in visuospatial recall memory (as assessed using the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test) was observed in spite of average to above-average performance on academic and other neurocognitive measures. Group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus titer elevations were associated with worse performance on tasks of neurocognitive and executive ability (Stroop Color-Word Interference Test), visuospatial memory, and fine motor speed (finger tapping) as well as elevated obsessive-compulsive symptom severity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Antistreptolysin / blood
  • Autoimmune Diseases / complications*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cognition Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Cognition Disorders / etiology*
  • Cognition Disorders / microbiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / complications*
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Streptococcal Infections / complications*
  • Streptococcus / pathogenicity

Substances

  • Antistreptolysin

Supplementary concepts

  • Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal infections