Abstract # 1798 Clinical evaluation of potential biomarkers for Pediatric Acute onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome – An observational study

Abstract

Background Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is considered one of the most debilitating of the psychiatric illnesses, yet much remains unclear regarding causes and cures. A diagnostic subgroup with acute onset of obsessive–compulsive symptoms (and sometimes tics or anorexia nervosa) possibly due to an autoimmune response, has been described: Pediatric Acute onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS). PANS is sometimes treated with immunomodulatory therapy or antibiotics, with a variable outcome. A PANS diagnosis is made through clinical observation only, but the search for biomarkers of the condition is ongoing. Elevated levels of four auto-antibodies and antibody-enzyme activity measured with the Cunningham panel, a panel marketed by Moleculera Labs, is a potential biomarker for PANS. However, the relationship between these biomarkers and the patients’ symptoms remain unclear, and no independent lab has evaluated the diagnostic properties of the panel. The aim of this study is to evaluate the Cunningham panel as a diagnostic tool for PANS. Participants Patients ( n = 154) who had been previously tested with the Cunningham panel of PANS biomarkers in Sweden (or Swedish patients tested in Denmark) were asked to participate and 53 consented to partake in the study. Procedure Assessment of current and previous symptoms, psychiatric health, neurological and motor symptoms as well as previous and current Cunningham Panel results were collected for all participants. The diagnostic properties of the Cunningham Panel for PANS biomarkers are discussed.