MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on children with Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) syndrome

1.3.2017

pursuant to Rule 133 of the Rules of Procedure

Piernicola Pedicini

B8‑0181/2017

Motion for a European Parliament resolution on children with Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) syndrome

The European Parliament,

–  having regard to Rule 133 of its Rules of Procedure,

A.  whereas PANDAS syndrome is a syndrome of viral origin not yet recognised as a rare disease; whereas it affects one in 2 000 children aged between 3 years old and puberty, and its symptoms include severe obsessions, compulsions and/or tics as well as psychotic behaviour in 8 % of cases;

B.  whereas PANDAS syndrome is similar to rheumatic fever and Tourette syndrome, with which it shares symptoms and treatment;

C.  whereas diagnosis is hindered by a lack of knowledge about PANDAS syndrome among the medical community, which can lead to incorrect diagnosis and/or overdue diagnosis;

1.  Calls on the Commission and the Member States to give PANDAS syndrome the status of ‘recognised rare disease’;

2.  Calls on the Commission and the Member States to launch a nation- and Europe-wide awareness-raising campaign on PANDAS syndrome;

3.  Calls on the Commission and the Member States to promote research into the treatment of these types of illness by increasing funding for researchers who investigate these kind of pathologies every day.