Understanding PANS/PANDAS
A GUIDE TO SYMPTOMS, DIAGNOSIS, & TREATMENT​

Presented by the Pulmonary Pediatrics Center at the University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson in Collaboration with El Rio Health

Speaker:
Michael O. Daines, MD
Associate Professor, Pediatrics
Division Chief, Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
Associate Director, Pediatric Pulmonary Fellowship
University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson, Dept. of Pediatrics

PANS and PANDAS are infection-induced autoimmune conditions that disrupt a patient’s normal neurologic functioning, resulting in a sudden onset of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and/or motor tics. PANS/PANDAS are severe but highly treatable postinfectious inflammatory brain conditions that can include a variety of other symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, hyperactivity, sleep disturbances, mood swings, eating disorders, and urinary problems. Because PANS/PANDAS often mimic various mental illnesses and behavioral disorders, including OCD, Tourette’s syndrome, ADHD and ASD, it can be challenging to diagnose. Identifying PANS/PANDAS is important, as studies indicate that with proper anti-infective and/or immunomodulatory treatment, symptoms can resolve or be dramatically reduced. This lecture will provide learners with a practical approach to the recognition and management of PANS/PANDAS.

Objectives: 
At the end of this lecture, participants will be able to:

  1. Recognize PANS/PANDAS as a diagnostic possibility when a young patient presents with sudden-onset OCD or other related symptoms.
  2. Differentiate between PANS and PANDAS.
  3. Describe the initial workup of PANS/PANDAS.
  4. Administer the appropriate first-line treatments to PANS/PANDAS  patients.
  5. Effectively refer PANS/PANDAS  patients to specialist care and coordinate care with these healthcare providers.
  6. Educate and counsel PANS/PANDAS patients and their families on care at home and at school

UNDERSTANDING pans/pandas

Play Video
How to Earn CME Credits for this Course:
  1. Register for the course. (Save the link to the post-activity survey/assessment on the confirmation page once you submit your registration).
  2. Click the video thumbnail to watch the recorded lecture.
  3. Complete the Survey. To access your survey, you must log in with the same name and email used to register. Completion of this survey is required.
  4. Download your CME certificate – You will receive an email with a link to your certificate. 

Earn up to:

1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)TM

Release & Termination Dates:

Original activity release date: April 14, 2023

Activity termination date: April 13, 2026

Target audience:

This course is designed to meet the educational needs of physicians from a wide variety of specialties including primary care, family practice, pediatrics, neurology, psychiatry, and other specialties.

ACCREDITATION:

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Arizona Medical Association (ArMA). The Southern Arizona AHEC (SAAHEC) is accredited by ArMA to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

SAAHEC designates this enduring material for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Financial Disclosure:

Andrew Arthur, MD, Planner/Moderator for this activity, is part of a Speaker’s Bureau for GSK. 

Michael O. Daines, MD, Speaker/Faculty for this activity, is a consultant for Octapharma. 

All of the relevant financial relationships for the individuals listed above have been mitigated. No other individuals in control of the educational content for this educational activity have any relevant financial relationships to disclose.