strep, motor tics and behavior

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Motor/Behavior Changes Linked to Group A Strep Infections in Children

Reuters Health Information 2007. © 2007 Reuters Ltd.

Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or

similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of

Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or

for any actions taken in reliance thereon. Reuters and the Reuters sphere logo

are registered trademarks and trademarks of the Reuters group of companies

around the world.

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) Feb 23 - Group A streptococcal (GAS) infections are

associated with motor and behavior changes in elementary school children,

according to a report in the February 1st issue of Biological Psychiatry.

There is renewed interest in the relationship of strep infections to behavioral

and motor disorders, the authors explain, but the extent of GAS infections'

contribution to choreiform movements has not been defined.

Dr. K. from the University of Florida, Gainesville, and associates

investigated possible associations between GAS infections and tics, behaviors,

and choreiform movements in a population-based study involving 693 children aged

3 to 12 years recruited from three schools.

Data were collected for 8 months. Five children (0.7%) developed persistent

choreiform symptoms after a GAS infection, the investigators found. Sixty-four

children who repeatedly tested positive for GAS had significantly higher rates

of abnormal behavior and distal choreiform observations.

Combined behavior ratings were strongly associated with GAS infection,

concurrently or in the three subsequent months, with a relative risk of 1.71 (p

< 0.0001). The team reports that " balance/swaying and non-tic grimacing were

responsible for a significant proportion of this association. "

They also noted a strong seasonal effect, with GAS infections and observation

ratings being higher in the fall than in the winter or spring.

" Group A streptococcus does seem to increase risk for behaviors and movements, "

Dr. and colleagues conclude. " However, more research is needed to explore

the role of GAS in childhood neuropsychiatric symptoms, particularly for those

with a history of repeatedly positive throat cultures. "

Biol Psychiatry 2007;61:279-284.

[Guest guest]

WEndy,

this is very interesting--I have already forwarded to several people.

thanks

pam

strep, motor tics and behavior

Motor/Behavior Changes Linked to Group A Strep Infections in Children

Reuters Health Information 2007. © 2007 Reuters Ltd.

Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or

similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of

Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or

for any actions taken in reliance thereon. Reuters and the Reuters sphere logo

are registered trademarks and trademarks of the Reuters group of companies

around the world.

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) Feb 23 - Group A streptococcal (GAS) infections are

associated with motor and behavior changes in elementary school children,

according to a report in the February 1st issue of Biological Psychiatry.

There is renewed interest in the relationship of strep infections to behavioral

and motor disorders, the authors explain, but the extent of GAS infections'

contribution to choreiform movements has not been defined.

Dr. K. from the University of Florida, Gainesville, and associates

investigated possible associations between GAS infections and tics, behaviors,

and choreiform movements in a population-based study involving 693 children aged

3 to 12 years recruited from three schools.

Data were collected for 8 months. Five children (0.7%) developed persistent

choreiform symptoms after a GAS infection, the investigators found. Sixty-four

children who repeatedly tested positive for GAS had significantly higher rates

of abnormal behavior and distal choreiform observations.

Combined behavior ratings were strongly associated with GAS infection,

concurrently or in the three subsequent months, with a relative risk of 1.71 (p

< 0.0001). The team reports that " balance/swaying and non-tic grimacing were

responsible for a significant proportion of this association. "

They also noted a strong seasonal effect, with GAS infections and observation

ratings being higher in the fall than in the winter or spring.

" Group A streptococcus does seem to increase risk for behaviors and movements, "

Dr. and colleagues conclude. " However, more research is needed to explore

the role of GAS in childhood neuropsychiatric symptoms, particularly for those

with a history of repeatedly positive throat cultures. "

Biol Psychiatry 2007;61:279-284.