Neuropsychiatric manifestations of Sydenham's chorea: a systematic review

Punukollu, M., Mushet, N., Linney, M., Hennessy, C. and Morton, M. (2015) Neuropsychiatric manifestations of Sydenham's chorea: a systematic review. Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology, 58(1), pp. 16-28. (doi: 10.1111/dmcn.12786) (PMID:25926089)

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Abstract

Aim: Sydenham's chorea is a post-streptococcal, autoimmune, neuropsychiatric movement disorder. Sydenham's chorea is a major criterion for diagnosis of acute rheumatic fever with the implication of potential long-term sequelae including cardiac complications. It is well established that there is psychiatric comorbidity in Sydenham's chorea, but there are variations in the literature regarding the nature and prevalence of psychiatric diagnoses associated with Sydenham's chorea. The aim of this review was to systematically evaluate the evidence for psychiatric symptoms presenting with Sydenham's chorea. Knowledge of comorbid psychiatric symptomatology will support early diagnosis and treatment, leading to improved long-term outcomes for children with Sydenham's chorea. Method: The study used a systematic search strategy, using MEDLINE, MEDLINE in Process, EMBASE, and The Cochrane Library. Abstracts were screened to identify relevant papers which were then assessed further. Eligible papers were summarized. Results: A total of 1429 abstracts of relevant studies were found, and 49 papers reporting neuropsychiatric symptoms in Sydenham's chorea were summarized. Obsessive-compulsive disorder was the most commonly studied, and hence reported, neuropsychiatric symptom in children with Sydenham's chorea. The studies analysed used a variety of tools to identify affected children and used different methods for analysing results. Attention-deficit–hyperactivity disorder, affective disorders, tic disorders, executive function disturbances, and psychotic features were also reported as comorbidities. Interpretation: There is good evidence of neuropsychiatric comorbidities in Sydenham's chorea. In countries with a high prevalence of rheumatic fever, the early recognition of salient cognitive and psychiatric symptoms may aid in the management of Sydenham's chorea.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Mushet, Mrs Nadine and Morton, Dr Michael and PUNUKOLLU, Dr MALLIKA and Hennessy, Dr Colm
Authors: Punukollu, M., Mushet, N., Linney, M., Hennessy, C., and Morton, M.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Robertson Centre
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
Journal Name:Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology
Publisher:Wiley
ISSN:0012-1622
ISSN (Online):1469-8749

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