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What is PANDAS/PANS?
PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcal Infections) is an autoimmune disorder believed to be associated with, and initiated by, a streptococcal infection. The disorder presents itself in many forms, but typically can manifest through sudden onset of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and tics symptoms. PANS is an acronym for “Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome” and is the more recent term designating this condition, irrespective of the etiologic or infectious agent triggering the autoimmune condition.
What is the Cunningham Panel?
Over the past decade, Dr. Madeleine Cunningham and her laboratory at the University of Oklahoma have developed and performed a unique panel of autoimmune identification and cell stimulation tests, to aid the physician in the determination of a patient’s PANDAS and PANS diagnosis.
Currently the panel is comprised of five different tests, four of which measure the level of circulating antibodies directed against different neurologic receptors or antigens, and one assay which measures the immune stimulating intensity of the patient’s serum against neuronal cells. The collective results of the panel of 5 tests will provide an assessment as to the anti-neuronal and autoimmune state of the patient at the time of testing. The physician is provided a composite report containing the 5 assay results, each compared to normal controls. The collective results can aid the physician in determining a proper diagnosis and support the appropriate treatment decision.
Currently, the Cunningham Panel does not include testing for streptococcal or anti-streptococcal antibody titers in PANDAS. Our goal at this time is to assist the physician and family by determining if there are elevated anti-neuronal antibodies and neuronal cell activating antibodies currently circulating in the blood, rather than attempting to identify the infection related to the autoimmune condition. PANS is also associated with other infections. Therefore, in the future we may add additional tests to the Cunningham Panel that would assist in identifying these infectious agents.
*CLIA Registration Number 37D2052130
COLA ID: 24220
PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcal Infections) is an autoimmune disorder believed to be associated with, and initiated by, a streptococcal infection. The disorder presents itself in many forms, but typically can manifest through sudden onset of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and tics symptoms. PANS is an acronym for “Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome” and is the more recent term designating this condition, irrespective of the etiologic or infectious agent triggering the autoimmune condition.
What is the Cunningham Panel?
Over the past decade, Dr. Madeleine Cunningham and her laboratory at the University of Oklahoma have developed and performed a unique panel of autoimmune identification and cell stimulation tests, to aid the physician in the determination of a patient’s PANDAS and PANS diagnosis.
Currently the panel is comprised of five different tests, four of which measure the level of circulating antibodies directed against different neurologic receptors or antigens, and one assay which measures the immune stimulating intensity of the patient’s serum against neuronal cells. The collective results of the panel of 5 tests will provide an assessment as to the anti-neuronal and autoimmune state of the patient at the time of testing. The physician is provided a composite report containing the 5 assay results, each compared to normal controls. The collective results can aid the physician in determining a proper diagnosis and support the appropriate treatment decision.
Currently, the Cunningham Panel does not include testing for streptococcal or anti-streptococcal antibody titers in PANDAS. Our goal at this time is to assist the physician and family by determining if there are elevated anti-neuronal antibodies and neuronal cell activating antibodies currently circulating in the blood, rather than attempting to identify the infection related to the autoimmune condition. PANS is also associated with other infections. Therefore, in the future we may add additional tests to the Cunningham Panel that would assist in identifying these infectious agents.
*CLIA Registration Number 37D2052130
COLA ID: 24220