Case series: increased vulnerability to obsessive-compulsive symptoms with repeated episodes of Sydenham chorea.
The association between obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCS) and Sydenham chorea (SC) supports the hypothesis of a common neuroimmunological dysfunction in basal ganglia associated with group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal infection underlying both conditions. Four children with 2 distinct SC episodes were evaluated to assess the course of OCS. All patients developed OCS during their second episodes (3 met criteria for obsessive-compulsive disorder [OCD]), but not in their first episodes (2 developed OCS and met criteria for OCD). These data suggest that the recurrence of SC episodes may result in a cumulative effect, thus increasing the risk of appearance and intensification of OCS.
Asbahr
F R
FR
Department of Psychiatry, University of São Paulo Medical School, Brazil. frasbahr@usp.br
Ramos
R T
RT
Negrão
A B
AB
Gentil
V
V
D000208:Acute Disease; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology; D002648:Child; D002819:Chorea / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009771:Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology