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PANDAS (pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections) are characterized by sudden onset of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms following streptococcal infections in prepubertal children. Similar to other post-streptococcal syndromes (e.g., Syndenham chorea), patients with PANDAS have antibodies that cross-react with basal ganglia. Thus, it was reasonable for investigators to evaluate immune-related treatments.
In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 35 children (mean age, 9; 66% male) received either intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) at a dose of 1 g/kg/day on 2 consecutive days or placebo. At 6 weeks, outcome measures (specific OCD symptoms and scores on a global impro…