PANDAS has been found to often show up in family lineage. Identifying the root cause of this syndrome is pivotal for our children's future and grandchildren's future. Efforts are being made to house a genetic database for PANDAS-PANS children. Treatments can be targeted and administered immediately at onset if physicians are confident about the underlying reasons for a PANDAS-PANS onset.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3758727/ 

A small study of 38 children of Turkish descent identified a gene many nationalities carry. This TNF-a gene has been found to be related to many autoimmune diseases. When this gene is present, a child's immature immune system is even more likely to overreact during an infection. 

The research states: "...the most compelling aspect of our research is the finding that TNF-a -308 ...polymorphysim was detected in 86.5% of (PANDAS) patients but not in controls..." Indian J Hum Genet, 2013 Apr-Jun: 19(2): 196-201 

They also point out that damage to the psychiatric well being of children may increase if treatment is not administered. This gene rests on a "fragile site" in a chromosomal region which likely increases susceptibility issues to autoimmune illness.

PANDAS Network is attempting to reach these researchers in hopes they will collaborate with U.S. doctors.

PET scan of the human brain.

 http://jcn.sagepub.com/content/early/2014/07/31/0883073814543303

This basal ganglia study shows that both syndromes are immune-inflammatory reactions. With PANDAS - a strep infection was clear. With Tourettes - unfortunately, the infection was not identified for the purposes of this study.

****IMPORTANT***** 

The PET scans showed there was a decline in "bad stuff binding to the brain", the basal ganglia, with immune-modulating treatment! In this case, IVIG was used. It also showed that this "bad binding" declined with age of the child for PANDAS children. The caudate and lentiform nuclei were found to be enlarged. "...in contrast to volume loss seen in OCD patients, and it is more consistent with basal ganglia changes (increased volume) seen in patients with Sydenham chorea, an autoimmune condition also related to streptococcal infections."

We are in touch with Dr. Chugani at Wayne State and his team is willing to do more research for PANDAS - but again - research dollars are needed.