LRB-4131/1
CMH:emw
2017 - 2018 LEGISLATURE
September 7, 2017 - Introduced by Representatives Pope, Anderson, Berceau,
Bowen, Hebl, Horlacher, Kleefisch, Milroy, Sargent, Subeck, C. Taylor,
Vruwink and Wachs, cosponsored by Senators Erpenbach, Bewley and
Ringhand. Referred to Committee on Rules.
AJR74,1,1 1Relating to: proclaiming October 9, 2017, as PANDAS and PANS Awareness Day.
AJR74,1,62 Whereas, it is the custom of this legislative body to recognize official days to
3increase awareness of serious illnesses that affect the lives of citizens of Wisconsin
4such as PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated
5with Streptococcal Infections) and PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric
6Syndrome); and
AJR74,1,127 Whereas, a diagnosis of PANDAS or PANS means a child has a sudden,
8dramatic change in personality displayed as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
9together with accompanying symptoms following a strep, bacterial, or viral infection.
10The OCD can display as intense fear or anxiety. Accompanying symptoms may
11include tics, anxiety, depression, behavioral regression, deterioration in school
12performance, sensory sensitivities, severely restricted food intake, and more; and
AJR74,2,213 Whereas, researchers have begun to substantiate that this syndrome involves
14a misdirected autoimmune process that affects or weakens the blood-brain barrier.
15The inflammatory process irritates a region of the brain that manages a variety of

1functions such as movement, cognitive perception, habit, executive “ logic-based"
2thinking, emotions, and the endocrine system; and
AJR74,2,63 Whereas, a conservative estimate of prevalence is 162,000 in the United States
4and 7,000 in Wisconsin alone; PANDAS/PANS is likely as common as pediatric
5cancer and pediatric diabetes and can seriously affect the healthy outcome of a child's
6life; and
AJR74,2,97 Whereas, the National Institute of Mental Health estimates that up to 30
8percent of children being treated for mental health disorders could be restored to
9health by proper diagnosis and treatment of PANS and PANDAS; and
AJR74,2,1310 Whereas, PANDAS/PANS is often misdiagnosed and undertreated. Treatment
11varies by the needs of the child, but may include antibiotics, steroids, IVIG
12(intravenous immunoglobulin), plasmapheresis, cognitive behavioral therapy, and
13anti-inflammatory medications; and
AJR74,2,1714 Whereas, PANDASNetwork.org is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit corporation dedicated
15to improving the diagnosis and treatment of children with PANDAS/PANS.
16PANDAS Network is also a conduit for researchers to navigate collaborations and for
17the medical community to find information; and
AJR74,2,2018 Whereas, it is imperative that there be greater public awareness of this health
19issue, and more must be done to increase activity at the local, state, and national
20levels; now, therefore, be it
AJR74,2,22 21Resolved by the assembly, the senate concurring, That the legislature
22proclaims October 9, 2017, as PANDAS and PANS Awareness Day; and, be it further
AJR74,2,25 23Resolved, That the assembly chief clerk shall provide a copy of this joint
24resolution to Scott and Erica Guetzlaff of Oregon, WI who are working to raise
25awareness of PANS and PANDAS on behalf of their daughter; and, be it further
AJR74,3,2
1Resolved, That the assembly chief clerk shall provide a copy of this joint
2resolution to PANDASNetwork.org.
AJR74,3,33 (End)
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