PANS and PANDAS: Case Studies and the Patient Perspective
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Two attendance options:
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Target Audience
DMU faculty, staff, students, residents, and the medical community.
Educational Need
PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) and PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) 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 and PANDAS can include a variety of other symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, hyperactivity, sleep disturbances, mood swings, eating disorders, and urinary problems.
An estimated 1 in 200 individuals are impacted, with onset primarily occurring during childhood. Clinical presentation is different for every patient, and symptoms can easily be mistaken for numerous common neurological disorders. Because of this alignment of symptomology, children with PANS/PANDAS are often misdiagnosed as having a psychiatric illness and may be treated solely with psychotropic medications, failing to solve the underlying problem. Symptoms can carry into adulthood and significantly impair the patient's quality of life if not managed appropriately.
It is important that healthcare providers are competent with differential diagnosis and evidence-based guidelines to ensure PANS/PANDAS is identified early and treated accurately to improve patient outcomes and achieve remission.
Objectives
- Empathize with the patient journey from the onset of symptoms through diagnosis and treatment/maintenance.
- Differentiate between PANS and PANDAS.
- Recognize PANS/PANDAS as a diagnostic possibility when a young patient presents with sudden-onset OCD or other related symptoms.
- Describe the initial workup of PANS/PANDAS.

IMPORTANT! Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, DMU is closed to external visitors. Only individuals with an active DMU badge may attend on-site.
Jodi Noble, PMP, MPA, MS, CPLP, CSM
Mother of Two Children Diagnosed with PANS
Cheri Standing, MD, FAAP
Pediatric Integrative Medicine Specialist, Children's Postinfectious Autoimmune Encephalopathy Clinic, Greater Regional Health
Accreditation Statements
MD: This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Iowa Medical Society (IMS). Des Moines University (DMU) is accredited by the IMS to provide continuing medical education for physicians. DMU designates this live activity for 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
- DO: Des Moines University (DMU) is accredited by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) to provide osteopathic continuing medical education for physicians. DMU designates this program for a maximum of 1.0 AOA Category 1-B credits and will report CME and specialty credits commensurate with the extent of the physician’s participation in this activity.
- Nurse: Des Moines University is Iowa Board of Nursing approved provider #112. This live activity has been reviewed and approved for 1.0 continuing education contact hour(s). No partial credit awarded.
- Other healthcare providers: This live activity is designated for 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™.
Educational Grants
No ineligible company provided financial support for this continuing education activity.
DISCLOSURE
The speaker(s) will disclose if any pharmaceuticals or medical procedures and devices discussed are investigational or unapproved for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Determination of educational content and the selection of speakers is the responsibility of the activity director.
Relevant to the content of this educational activity, the following individual(s) have no conflict(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.
- Jodi Noble, PMP, MPA, MS, CPLP, CSM - Speaker
- Cheri Standing, MD, FAAP - Speaker
DISCLAIMER
The information provided at this activity is for continuing education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the independent medical judgment of a healthcare provider relative to diagnostic and treatment options of a specific patient’s medical condition. The content of each presentation does not necessarily reflect the views of Des Moines University.
Available Credit
- 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™
- 1.00 AOA Category 1B
- 1.00 CE Contact Hour(s)
- 1.00 IBON
Price
Two attendance options:
- Des Moines University students, faculty, and staff - No registration is necessary to attend on-site or register through Zoom to attend on-line.
- All other interested individuals - Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, DMU is closed to external visitors. Only individuals with an active DMU badge may attend on-site. Register through Zoom.