PRINTER'S NO. 1276
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE RESOLUTION
No.
244
Session of
2019
INTRODUCED BY SCHWANK, PHILLIPS-HILL, FONTANA, FARNESE,
MASTRIANO, BARTOLOTTA, DINNIMAN, J. WARD, IOVINO, HUGHES,
SANTARSIERO, BREWSTER, LEACH, BROWNE AND TARTAGLIONE,
OCTOBER 21, 2019
INTRODUCED AND ADOPTED, OCTOBER 21, 2019
A RESOLUTION
Designating October 9, 2019, as "PANS/PANDAS Awareness Day" in
Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, Pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome
(PANS) and pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders
associated with streptococcal infections (PANDAS) are childhood
conditions characterized by the appearance of obsessive-
compulsive disorder (OCD), tic disorders and other symptoms; and
WHEREAS, Symptoms identified with PANS/PANDAS include motor
and vocal tics and personality and behavioral changes such as
ADHD, separation anxiety, mood changes, aggression and
irritability, eating disorders, sleep disturbance, enuresis and
deterioration in motor and cognitive abilities; and
WHEREAS, The onset of symptoms is sudden and dramatic; and
WHEREAS, The National Institute of Mental Health is currently
conducting research relating to PANS/PANDAS and more effective
treatment options; and
WHEREAS, Current research suggests a possibility in PANDAS
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cases that antibodies produced in response to streptococcal
infections attack basal gaglia, the area of the brain associated
with movement and behavior; and
WHEREAS, With no currently approved lab tests or medical
consensus on diagnosis and treatment, clinicians rely on
clinical criteria and their own subjective judgment in
diagnosing it; and
WHEREAS, The PANDAS Network, a nonprofit organization that
raises awareness of PANS/PANDAS, estimates that as many as 1 in
200 children may have PANS/PANDAS in the United States; and
WHEREAS, Treatment options for children are the same as for
OCD and tic disorders, including cognitive behavioral therapy
and anti-obsessional medications, with antibiotics and
intravenous immunoglobulin also sometimes used; and
WHEREAS, Increased attention on PANS/PANDAS among the public
and medical community can encourage increased support for
further research and greater awareness by medical professionals;
therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate designate October 9, 2019, as
"PANS/PANDAS Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Senate commend parents, advocacy
organizations and health professionals working to improve the
awareness and treatment of PANS/PANDAS in their communities.
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