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Dersch R, Torbahn G, Rauer S. Treatment of post-treatment Lyme disease symptoms-a systematic review. Eur J Neurol 2024; 31:e16293. [PMID: 38606630 DOI: 10.1111/ene.16293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Residual symptoms after treatment of Lyme disease, sometimes called post-treatment Lyme disease symptoms (PTLDs), are a matter of ongoing controversy. To guide treatment recommendations, a systematic review was performed of the available literature on specific treatment for PTLDs. METHODS A systematic literature search of MEDLINE and CENTRAL was performed. No restrictions on case definitions, study types or specific interventions were applied to enable a comprehensive overview of the available literature. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tools for randomized controlled trials. Certainty of the evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. Outcomes of interest were quality of life, fatigue, depression and cognition as well as adverse events. RESULTS After screening 1274 records, eight eligible randomized controlled trials were included. Heterogeneity was observed regarding inclusion criteria, intervention, length of treatment and outcome measures. For efficacy outcomes, results are presented narratively due to heterogeneity. Eligible studies show no statistically significant difference between antibiotics and placebo regarding quality of life, cognition and depression. Results for fatigue were inconsistent whilst studies with low risk of bias showed no statistically significant difference between antibiotics and placebo. Meta-analysis of safety outcomes showed statistically significantly more adverse events for antibiotics compared to placebo. CONCLUSIONS Available literature on treatment of PTLDs is heterogeneous, but overall shows evidence of no effect of antibiotics regarding quality of life, depression, cognition and fatigue whilst showing more adverse events. Patients with suspected PTLDs should not be treated with antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rick Dersch
- Clinic of Neurology and Neurophysiology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Gabriel Torbahn
- Department of Pediatrics, Paracelsus Medical University, Klinikum Nürnberg, Universitätsklinik der Paracelsus Medizinischen Privatuniversität Nürnberg, Nuremberg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Rauer
- Clinic of Neurology and Neurophysiology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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Sébastien P, Jacques D, Catherine P, Xavier G. Diagnosis and treatment of "chronic Lyme": primum non nocere. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:642. [PMID: 37784031 PMCID: PMC10544220 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08618-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Approximately 10% of patients experience prolonged symptoms after Lyme disease. PTLDS (post treatment Lyme disease syndrome) is a controversial topic. It has been described as a source of overdiagnosis and off-label treatment. This review aims to describe the diagnostic errors and adverse events associated with the diagnosis and treatment of PTLDS. METHODS systematic review of the literature in the Medline and Cochrane Library databases, according to PRISMA criteria, including randomized clinical trials (RCT), observational studies, and case reports addressing diagnostic errors and adverse events published between January 2010 and November 2020 in English or French. Selection used a quadruple reading process on the basis of the titles and abstracts of the different articles, followed by a full reading. RESULTS 17 studies were included: 1 RCT, 6 observational studies and 10 case reports. In the 6 observational studies, overdiagnosis rates were very high, ranging from 80 to 100%. The new diagnoses were often psychiatric, rheumatological and neurological. Disorders with somatic symptoms were often cited. Diagnostic delays were identified for cancers and frontoparietal dementia. In the RCT and observational studies, prolonged anti-infective treatments were also responsible for adverse events, with emergency room visits and/or hospitalization. The most common adverse events were diarrhea, sometimes with Clostridium difficile colitis, electrolyte abnormalities, sepsis, bacterial and fungal infections, and anaphylactic reactions. CONCLUSION This review highlights the risks of prolonged anti-infective treatments that have not been proven to be beneficial in PTLDS. It emphasizes the ethical imperative of the "primum non nocere" principle, which underscores the importance of not causing harm to patients. Physicians should exercise caution in diagnosing PTLDS and consider the potential risks associated with off-label treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Plotton Catherine
- Campus Santé Innovations, SAINT-PRIEST-EN-JAREZ, Jean-Monnet University, 10 RUE de la Marandière, 42270, Saint-Étienne, France
| | - Gocko Xavier
- Campus Santé Innovations, SAINT-PRIEST-EN-JAREZ, Jean-Monnet University, 10 RUE de la Marandière, 42270, Saint-Étienne, France.
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Horowitz RI, Fallon J, Freeman PR. Comparison of the Efficacy of Longer versus Shorter Pulsed High Dose Dapsone Combination Therapy in the Treatment of Chronic Lyme Disease/Post Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome with Bartonellosis and Associated Coinfections. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2301. [PMID: 37764145 PMCID: PMC10537894 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11092301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Twenty-five patients with relapsing and remitting Borreliosis, Babesiosis, and bartonellosis despite extended anti-infective therapy were prescribed double-dose dapsone combination therapy (DDDCT), followed by one or several courses of High Dose Dapsone Combination Therapy (HDDCT). A retrospective chart review of these 25 patients undergoing DDDCT therapy and HDDCT demonstrated that 100% improved their tick-borne symptoms, and patients completing 6-7 day pulses of HDDCT had superior levels of improvement versus 4-day pulses if Bartonella was present. At the completion of treatment, 7/23 (30.5%) who completed 8 weeks of DDDCT followed by a 5-7 day pulse of HDDCT remained in remission for 3-9 months, and 3/23 patients (13%) who recently finished treatment were 1 ½ months in full remission. In conclusion, DDDCT followed by 6-7 day pulses of HDDCT could represent a novel, effective anti-infective strategy in chronic Lyme disease/Post Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS) and associated co-infections, including Bartonella, especially in individuals who have failed standard antibiotic protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard I. Horowitz
- Lyme and Tick-Borne Diseases Working Group, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY 12224, USA
- Hudson Valley Healing Arts Center, Hyde Park, NY 12538, USA; (J.F.); (P.R.F.)
| | - John Fallon
- Hudson Valley Healing Arts Center, Hyde Park, NY 12538, USA; (J.F.); (P.R.F.)
| | - Phyllis R. Freeman
- Hudson Valley Healing Arts Center, Hyde Park, NY 12538, USA; (J.F.); (P.R.F.)
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Mahajan VK. Lyme Disease: An Overview. Indian Dermatol Online J 2023; 14:594-604. [PMID: 37727539 PMCID: PMC10506804 DOI: 10.4103/idoj.idoj_418_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Lyme disease, a tick-borne multisystem disease, is caused by spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi (sensu lato). It is a common illness in temperate countries, especially the United States, but the incidence is increasing across continents due to increasing reforestation, travel and adventure tourism, increased intrusion in the vector habitat, and changing habitat of the vector. Transmission primarily occurs via bite of an infected tick (Ixodes spp.). The appearance of an erythema migrans rash following a tick bite is diagnostic of early Lyme disease even without laboratory evidence. Borrelia lymphocytoma and acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans along with multisystem involvement occur in late disseminated and chronic stages. A two-step serologic testing protocol using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) followed by confirmation of positive and equivocal results by Western immunoblot is recommended for the diagnosis. Transplacental transmission to infant occurs in the first trimester with possible congenital Lyme disease making treatment imperative during antenatal period. The treatment is most effective in the early stages of the disease, whereas rheumatological, neurological, or other late manifestations remain difficult to treat with antibiotics alone. Treatment with oral doxycycline is preferred for its additional activity against other tick-borne illnesses which may occur concurrently in 10%-15% of cases. New-generation cephalosporins and azithromycin are alternative options in patients with doxycycline contraindications. No vaccine is available and one episode of the disease will not confer life-long immunity; thus, preventive measures remain a priority. The concept of post-Lyme disease syndrome versus chronic Lyme disease remains contested for want of robust evidence favoring benefits of prolonged antibiotic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikram K. Mahajan
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Dr. Radhakrishnan Government Medical College, Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh, India
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Bai NA, Richardson CS. Posttreatment Lyme disease syndrome and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: A systematic review and comparison of pathogenesis. Chronic Dis Transl Med 2023; 9:183-190. [PMID: 37711861 PMCID: PMC10497844 DOI: 10.1002/cdt3.74] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne illness in the United States and has been causing significant morbidity since its discovery in 1977. It is well-documented that about 10% of patients properly treated with antibiotics never fully recover, but instead go on to develop a chronic illness dubbed, posttreatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS) characterized by severe fatigue, cognitive slowing, chronic pain, and sleep difficulties. This review includes 18 studies that detail the symptoms of patients with PTLDS and uses qualitative analysis to compare them to myalgic encephalitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), a strikingly similar syndrome. In the majority of the PTLDS studies, at least four of the six major symptoms of ME/CFS were also noted, including substantial impairment in activity level and fatigue for more than 6 months, post-exertional malaise, and unrefreshing sleep. In one of the included PTLDS articles, 26 of the 29 ME/CFS symptoms were noted. This study adds to the expanding literature on the post-active phase of infection syndromes, which suggests that chronic illnesses such as PTLDS and ME/CFS have similar pathogenesis despite different infectious origins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie A. Bai
- Department of PsychiatryRowan‐Virtua School of Osteopathic MedicineMount LaurelNew JerseyUSA
| | - Christie S. Richardson
- Department of PsychiatryRowan‐Virtua School of Osteopathic MedicineMount LaurelNew JerseyUSA
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Biniaz-Harris N, Kuvaldina M, Fallon BA. Neuropsychiatric Lyme Disease and Vagus Nerve Stimulation. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1347. [PMID: 37760644 PMCID: PMC10525519 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12091347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Lyme disease, the most common tick-borne disease in the United States, is caused by infection with the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi. While most patients with acute Lyme disease recover completely if treated with antibiotics shortly after the onset of infection, approximately 10-30% experience post-treatment symptoms and 5-10% have residual symptoms with functional impairment (post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome or PTLDS). These patients typically experience pain, cognitive problems, and/or fatigue. This narrative review provides a broad overview of Lyme disease, focusing on neuropsychiatric manifestations and persistent symptoms. While the etiology of persistent symptoms remains incompletely understood, potential explanations include persistent infection, altered neural activation, and immune dysregulation. Widely recognized is that new treatment options are needed for people who have symptoms that persist despite prior antibiotic therapy. After a brief discussion of treatment approaches, the article focuses on vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), a neuromodulation approach that is FDA-approved for depression, epilepsy, and headache syndromes and has been reported to be helpful for other diseases characterized by inflammation and neural dysregulation. Transcutaneous VNS stimulates the external branch of the vagus nerve, is minimally invasive, and is well-tolerated in other conditions with few side effects. If well-controlled double-blinded studies demonstrate that transcutaneous auricular VNS helps patients with chronic syndromes such as persistent symptoms after Lyme disease, taVNS will be a welcome addition to the treatment options for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Biniaz-Harris
- Lyme & Tick-Borne Diseases Research Center at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10032, USA; (N.B.-H.); (M.K.)
| | - Mara Kuvaldina
- Lyme & Tick-Borne Diseases Research Center at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10032, USA; (N.B.-H.); (M.K.)
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Brian A. Fallon
- Lyme & Tick-Borne Diseases Research Center at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10032, USA; (N.B.-H.); (M.K.)
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10032, USA
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Rizvi ST, Shah JS, Shaaya S, Mollayeva T. Treating cognitive impairments in primary central nervous system infections: A systematic review of pharmacological interventions. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e34151. [PMID: 37443498 PMCID: PMC10344564 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000034151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This research synthesized scientific evidence on the use of pharmacotherapy as intervention to reduce cognitive impairments in adult patients with primary central nervous system (CNS) infections. METHODS We searched for experimental studies published in English prior to October 2021 in MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane databases. We included non-randomized studies (NRS) and randomized control trials (RCT) of pharmacotherapy versus placebo, drug, or a combination of drugs in adults with primary CNS infection. The certainty of the evidence was rated according to GRADE guidelines. RESULTS We included 8 RCTs and 1 NRS, involving a total of 805 patients (50.77% male patients; mean age 42.67 ± 10.58) with Lyme disease (LD), herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), or Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) studying the efficacy of antibiotics, antiviral, and non-opioid analgesic drugs, respectively. In patients with LD, antibiotics alone or in combination with other drugs enhanced certain cognitive domains relative to placebo. In patients with HSV-1, the results were inconsistent. In patients with CJD, flupirtine maleate enhanced baseline cognitive scores. The quality of RCT studies was low, and the quality of NRS of intervention was very low, suggesting low and very low certainty in the reported results. CONCLUSION There is limited evidence and low certainty regarding the efficacy of antimicrobials and analgesics in reducing cognitive impairments in patients with LD, HSV-1, and CJD. Future efforts must be aimed at enhancing attention to clinical trial methodology and reporting, as well as reaching a consensus on outcome measures and the endpoint of clinical trials relevant to patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syeda T. Rizvi
- University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
- KITE Research Institute University Health Network, Toronto, ON
| | - Jhankhana S. Shah
- University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
- KITE Research Institute University Health Network, Toronto, ON
| | - Sarah Shaaya
- University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
- KITE Research Institute University Health Network, Toronto, ON
| | - Tatyana Mollayeva
- University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
- KITE Research Institute University Health Network, Toronto, ON
- Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
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Shor SM, Schweig SK. The Use of Natural Bioactive Nutraceuticals in the Management of Tick-Borne Illnesses. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1759. [PMID: 37512931 PMCID: PMC10384908 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11071759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The primary objective of this paper is to provide an evidence-based update of the literature on the use of bioactive phytochemicals, nutraceuticals, and micronutrients (dietary supplements that provide health benefits beyond their nutritional value) in the management of persistent cases of Borrelia burgdorferi infection (Lyme disease) and two other tick-borne pathogens, Babesia and Bartonella species. Recent studies have advanced our understanding of the pathophysiology and mechanisms of persistent infections. These advances have increasingly enabled clinicians and patients to utilize a wider set of options to manage these frequently disabling conditions. This broader toolkit holds the promise of simultaneously improving treatment outcomes and helping to decrease our reliance on the long-term use of pharmaceutical antimicrobials and antibiotics in the treatment of tick-borne pathogens such as Borrelia burgdorferi, Babesia, and Bartonella.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel M Shor
- Internal Medicine of Northern Virginia, George Washington University Health Care Sciences, Reston, VA 20190, USA
| | - Sunjya K Schweig
- California Center for Functional Medicine, Oakland, CA 94619, USA
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9
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Johnson L, Shapiro M, Janicki S, Mankoff J, Stricker RB. Does Biological Sex Matter in Lyme Disease? The Need for Sex-Disaggregated Data in Persistent Illness. Int J Gen Med 2023; 16:2557-2571. [PMID: 37351009 PMCID: PMC10284166 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s406466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Biological sex should be included as an important variable in clinical research studies to identify outcome differences between men and women. Very few Lyme disease studies were designed to consider sex-based differences or gender bias as an important component of the research design. Methods To assess sex-based differences in Lyme disease patients who were clinically diagnosed and reported remaining ill for six or more months after receiving antibiotic treatment, we analyzed self-reported clinical data from 2170 patients in the MyLymeData patient registry. We also reviewed previous Lyme disease studies for distribution of patients by biological sex according to stage of illness, data source, and definition of disease used as enrollment criteria. Results In MyLymeData, women reported more tick-borne coinfections, worse symptoms, longer diagnostic delays, more misdiagnoses, and worse functional impairment than men. No differences were reported in antibiotic treatment response or side effects. In our review, of clinical research trials and data sources, we identified a smaller percentage of women in studies of acute Lyme disease and a larger percentage of women in studies of persistent illness. Samples and data sources that were more reflective of patients seen in clinical practice had a higher percentage of women than randomized controlled trials and post-treatment Lyme disease studies. Conclusion Our results indicate that biological sex should be integrated into Lyme disease research as a distinct variable. Future Lyme disease studies should include sex-based disaggregated data to illuminate differences that may exist between men and women with persistent illness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sylvia Janicki
- School of Literature, Media and Communications, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jennifer Mankoff
- Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Raffetin A, Chahour A, Schemoul J, Paoletti G, He Z, Baux E, Patrat-Delon S, Nguala S, Caraux-Paz P, Puppo C, Arias P, Madec Y, Gallien S, Rivière J. Acceptance of diagnosis and management satisfaction of patients with "suspected Lyme borreliosis" after 12 months in a multidisciplinary reference center: a prospective cohort study. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:380. [PMID: 37280565 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08352-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Because patients with a "suspicion of Lyme borreliosis (LB)" may experience medical wandering and difficult care paths, often due to misinformation, multidisciplinary care centers were started all over Europe a few years ago. The aim of our study was to prospectively identify the factors associated with the acceptance of diagnosis and management satisfaction of patients, and to assess the concordance of the medical health assessment between physicians and patients 12 months after their management at our multidisciplinary center. METHODS We included all adults who were admitted to the Tick-Borne Diseases Reference Center of Paris and the Northern Region (TBD-RC) (2017-2020). A telephone satisfaction survey was conducted 12 months after their first consultation. It consisted of 5 domains and 13 items rated between 0 (lowest) and 10 (highest grade): (1)Reception; (2)Care and quality of management; (3)Information/explanations given to the patients; (4)Current medical condition and acceptance of the final diagnosis; (5)Overall appreciation. Factors associated with diagnosis acceptance and management satisfaction at 12 months were identified using logistic regression models. The concordance of the health status as assessed by doctors and patients was calculated using a Cohen's kappa test. RESULTS Of the 569 patients who consulted, 349 (61.3%) answered the questionnaire. Overall appreciation had a median rating of 9 [8;10] and 280/349 (80.2%) accepted their diagnoses. Patients who were "very satisfied" with their care paths at TBD-RC (OR = 4.64;CI95%[1.52-14.16]) had higher odds of diagnosis acceptance. Well-delivered information was strongly associated with better satisfaction with the management (OR = 23.39;CI95%[3.52-155.54]). The concordance between patients and physicians to assess their health status 12 months after their management at TBD-RC was almost perfect in the groups of those with confirmed and possible LB (κ = 0.99), and moderate in the group with other diagnoses (κ = 0.43). CONCLUSION Patients seemed to approve of this multidisciplinary care organization for suspected LB. It helped them to accept their final diagnoses and enabled a high level of satisfaction with the information given by the doctors, confirming the importance of shared medical decisions, which may help to reduce health misinformation. This type of structure may be useful for any disease with a complex and controversial diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Raffetin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tick-Borne Diseases Reference Center of Paris and the Northern Region, General Hospital of Villeneuve-Saint-Georges, Villeneuve-Saint-Georges, France.
- EpiMAI Research Unity, Laboratory of Animal Health, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Anses-National Veterinaty School of Alfort, Maison-Alfort, France.
- DYNAMIC Research Unity, UPEC-Anses, Créteil, France.
| | - Amal Chahour
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tick-Borne Diseases Reference Center of Paris and the Northern Region, General Hospital of Villeneuve-Saint-Georges, Villeneuve-Saint-Georges, France
| | - Julien Schemoul
- Department of Rheumatology, Tick-Borne Diseases Reference Center of Paris and the Northern Region, General Hospital of Villeneuve-Saint-Georges, Villeneuve-Saint-Georges, France
| | - Giulia Paoletti
- Department of Psychiatry, Tick-Borne Diseases Reference Center of Paris and the Northern Region, General Hospital of Villeneuve-Saint-Georges, Villeneuve-Saint-Georges, France
| | - Zhuoruo He
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tick-Borne Diseases Reference Center of Paris and the Northern Region, General Hospital of Villeneuve-Saint-Georges, Villeneuve-Saint-Georges, France
- Department of Public Health, University of Paris Saclay, Saclay, France
| | - Elisabeth Baux
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tick-Borne Diseases Reference Center of the Eastern Region, Brabois Hospital, University Hospital of Nancy, Nancy, France
| | - Solène Patrat-Delon
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tick-Borne Diseases Reference Center of the Western Region, University Hospital of Rennes, Rennes, France
| | - Steve Nguala
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tick-Borne Diseases Reference Center of Paris and the Northern Region, General Hospital of Villeneuve-Saint-Georges, Villeneuve-Saint-Georges, France
| | - Pauline Caraux-Paz
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tick-Borne Diseases Reference Center of Paris and the Northern Region, General Hospital of Villeneuve-Saint-Georges, Villeneuve-Saint-Georges, France
| | - Costanza Puppo
- Department of Psychology, Lumière University Lyon II, UMR 1296, Lyon, France
| | - Pauline Arias
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tick-Borne Diseases Reference Center of Paris and the Northern Region, General Hospital of Villeneuve-Saint-Georges, Villeneuve-Saint-Georges, France
| | - Yoann Madec
- Epidemiology of Emerging Diseases Unit, Institut Pasteur, University of Paris, Paris, France
| | - Sébastien Gallien
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tick-Borne Diseases Reference Center of Paris and the Northern Region, General Hospital of Villeneuve-Saint-Georges, Villeneuve-Saint-Georges, France
- DYNAMIC Research Unity, UPEC-Anses, Créteil, France
- Department of Infectious Diseases, UH Henri Mondor, Créteil, France
| | - Julie Rivière
- EpiMAI Research Unity, Laboratory of Animal Health, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Anses-National Veterinaty School of Alfort, Maison-Alfort, France
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Hernández SA, Ogrinc K, Korva M, Kastrin A, Bogovič P, Rojko T, Kelley KW, Weis JJ, Strle F, Strle K. Association of Persistent Symptoms after Lyme Neuroborreliosis and Increased Levels of Interferon-α in Blood. Emerg Infect Dis 2023; 29:1091-1101. [PMID: 37209716 PMCID: PMC10202885 DOI: 10.3201/eid2906.221685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients who have Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB) might experience lingering symptoms that persist despite antibiotic drug therapy. We tested whether those symptoms are caused by maladaptive immune responses by measuring 20 immune mediators in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in 79 LNB patients followed for 1 year. At study entry, most mediators were highly concentrated in CSF, the site of the infection. Those responses resolved with antibiotic therapy, and associations between CSF cytokines and signs and symptoms of LNB were no longer observed. In contrast, subjective symptoms that persisted after use of antibiotics were associated with increased levels of serum interferon-α (IFN-α), which were already observed at study entry, and remained increased at each subsequent timepoint. Highest IFN-α levels corresponded with severe disease. Although the infection serves as the initial trigger, sequelae after antibiotic therapy are associated with unremitting systemic IFN-α levels, consistent with the pathogenic role of this cytokine in interferonopathies in other conditions.
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Govil S, Capitle E, Lacqua A, Khianey R, Coyle PK, Schutzer SE. Common Neurologic Features of Lyme Disease That May Present to a Rheumatologist. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12040576. [PMID: 37111462 PMCID: PMC10146759 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12040576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Lyme disease, caused by Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb) infection, has a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations and severity. Patients with possible Lyme disease may seek out or be referred to rheumatologists. Today, the most common reason to engage a rheumatologist is due to complaints of arthralgia. After skin, neurologic manifestations of Lyme disease are now among the most common. Therefore, it is important for rheumatologists to be aware of clues that suggest neurologic Lyme disease and prompt help from a neurologist experienced with Lyme disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swati Govil
- Department of Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Eugenio Capitle
- Department of Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Alexandra Lacqua
- Department of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL 33486, USA
| | - Reena Khianey
- Department of Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - P K Coyle
- Department of Neurology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Steven E Schutzer
- Department of Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
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Bruinsma RA, Zomer TP, Skogman BH, van Hensbroek MB, Hovius JW. Clinical manifestations of Lyme neuroborreliosis in children: a review. Eur J Pediatr 2023; 182:1965-1976. [PMID: 36856886 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-023-04811-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB) is a manifestation of Lyme disease involving the central and peripheral nervous system. It is caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi, transmitted by tick bites to a human host. Clinical signs of LNB develop after the dissemination of the pathogen to the nervous system. The infection occurs in children and adults, but the clinical manifestations differ. In adults, painful meningoradicultis is the most common manifestation of LNB, while children often present with facial nerve palsy and/or subacute meningitis. Subacute headache can be the only manifestation of LNB in children, especially during the summer months in Lyme disease-endemic regions. Non-specific symptoms, such as loss of appetite, fatigue or mood changes, may also occur, especially in young children. A high level of suspicion and early recognition of the various clinical manifestations presented by children with LNB is essential to minimize delay in diagnosis and optimize management. This review provides an overview of the spectrum of clinical manifestations, and discusses diagnosis, antibiotic treatment, and clinical outcome of LNB in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- R A Bruinsma
- Lyme Center Apeldoorn, Gelre Hospital, Apeldoorn, P.O. Box 9014, 7300 DS, the Netherlands.,Department of Pediatrics, Gelre Hospital, Apeldoorn, the Netherlands
| | - T P Zomer
- Lyme Center Apeldoorn, Gelre Hospital, Apeldoorn, P.O. Box 9014, 7300 DS, the Netherlands.
| | - B H Skogman
- Center for Clinical Research Dalarna, Uppsala University, Falun, Sweden.,Department of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - M Boele van Hensbroek
- Department of Pediatrics, Amsterdam Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - J W Hovius
- Amsterdam UMC Multidisciplinary Lyme borreliosis Center, Amsterdam UMC Medical Centers, location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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14
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Cameron DJ, McWhinney SR. Consequences of Contracting COVID-19 or Taking the COVID-19 Vaccine for Individuals with a History of Lyme Disease. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:antibiotics12030493. [PMID: 36978360 PMCID: PMC10044022 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12030493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Individuals with Lyme disease can be very symptomatic. This survey compares the burden of illness for individuals with a history of Lyme disease (HLD) with individuals with a HLD who have either contracted COVID-19 or who have taken the COVID-19 vaccine. The findings describe the relative symptom burden among these three groups using a cross-sectional descriptive survey investigating the burden of Lyme disease in a pandemic. The survey includes the General Symptom Questionnaire-30 (GSQ-30), a brief self-report scale designed to assess the symptom burden in Lyme disease (LD). The results of this survey show that the overall burden of illness among individuals with HLD is not significantly different after contracting COVID-19 or after COVID-19 vaccination. A new survey will be needed to better understand why one in five individuals with a HLD reported long COVID after contracting COVID-19. These results should help clinicians and their patients to discuss the consequences of contracting a COVID-19 infection or being vaccinated against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J. Cameron
- Northern Westchester Hospital, Mt. Kisco, New York, NY 10549, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-914-666-4665
| | - Sean R. McWhinney
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 2E2, Canada
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15
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Zhang X, Jiang Y, Chen Y, Yang J, Zhang X, Xing L, Liu A, Bao F. Efficacy and safety of antibiotic therapy for post-Lyme disease? A systematic review and network meta-analysis. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:22. [PMID: 36635681 PMCID: PMC9838005 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-07989-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND At present, the pathogenesis of post-treatment Lyme disease (PTLDS) is not clear, so the treatment scheme of PTLDS, especially antibiotic treatment, is still controversial. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of antibiotics in the treatment of PTLDS using network meta-analysis (NMA). METHODS Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic literature search was conducted on randomized controlled trials in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and Cochrane Library (the literature was published from database inception through December 16, 2022). Using random effect model and fixed effect model. STATA17.0 software was used to evaluate the quality and heterogeneity of the included research literature. RESULTS The system included 4 randomized controlled trials (485 subjects). The network meta-analysis showed that ceftriaxone had better results than placebo [Mean = 0.87, 95% CI (0.02, 1.71)] and doxycycline [Mean = 1.01, 95% CI (0.03, 1.98)] in FSS scale scores. There was no statistical difference in FSS scale scores of other drugs after treatment. In terms of FSS score results, Ceftriaxone was the best intervention according to the SUCRA value of each treatment (97.7). The analysis of outcome indicators such as Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Mental-health Scale and Physical-functioning scale showed that there was no statistically significant difference between the antibiotic group and placebo group. CONCLUSION Ceftriaxone treatment may be the best choice for antibiotic treatment of PTLD, which provides useful guidance for antibiotic treatment of PTLD in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqian Zhang
- grid.285847.40000 0000 9588 0960Department of Stomatology, Haiyuan College of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650000 China
| | - Yuwei Jiang
- grid.285847.40000 0000 9588 0960Medical Microbiology and Immunology Teaching and Research Section, Haiyuan College of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650000 China
| | - Yihan Chen
- grid.285847.40000 0000 9588 0960Department of Stomatology, Haiyuan College of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650000 China
| | - Jiaru Yang
- grid.285847.40000 0000 9588 0960The Institute for Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Basic Medical Science, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Xiaoqi Zhang
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Department of Orthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center of Oral Diseases, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lu Xing
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Department of Orthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center of Oral Diseases, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Aihua Liu
- grid.285847.40000 0000 9588 0960The Institute for Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Basic Medical Science, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China ,grid.285847.40000 0000 9588 0960Yunnan Province Key Laboratory of Children’s Major Diseases Research, The Affiliated Children’s Hospital, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Fukai Bao
- grid.285847.40000 0000 9588 0960The Institute for Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Basic Medical Science, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China ,grid.285847.40000 0000 9588 0960Yunnan Province Key Laboratory of Children’s Major Diseases Research, The Affiliated Children’s Hospital, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
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16
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Delaney SL, Murray LA, Fallon BA. Neuropsychiatric Symptoms and Tick-Borne Diseases. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2023; 61:279-302. [PMID: 36512289 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2022_406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
In North America, Lyme disease (LD) is primarily caused by the spirochetal bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, transmitted to humans by Ixodes species tick bites, at an estimated rate of 476,000 patients diagnosed per year. Acute LD often manifests with flu-like symptoms and an expanding rash known as erythema migrans (EM) and less often with neurologic, neuropsychiatric, arthritic, or cardiac features. Most acute cases of Lyme disease are effectively treated with antibiotics, but 10-20% of individuals may experience recurrent or persistent symptoms. This chapter focuses on the neuropsychiatric aspects of Lyme disease, as these are less widely recognized by physicians and often overlooked. Broader education about the potential complexity, severity, and diverse manifestations of tick-borne diseases is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon L Delaney
- Lyme and Tick-Borne Diseases Research Center at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Lilly A Murray
- Lyme and Tick-Borne Diseases Research Center at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Brian A Fallon
- Lyme and Tick-Borne Diseases Research Center at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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17
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Verschoor YL, Vrijlandt A, Spijker R, van Hest RM, ter Hofstede H, van Kempen K, Henningsson AJ, Hovius JW. Persistent Borrelia burgdorferi Sensu Lato Infection after Antibiotic Treatment: Systematic Overview and Appraisal of the Current Evidence from Experimental Animal Models. Clin Microbiol Rev 2022; 35:e0007422. [PMID: 36222707 PMCID: PMC9769629 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00074-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Lyme borreliosis is caused by spirochetes belonging to the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato group, which are transmitted by Ixodes tick species living in the temperate climate zones of the Northern Hemisphere. The clinical manifestations of Lyme borreliosis are diverse and treated with oral or intravenous antibiotics. In some patients, long-lasting and debilitating symptoms can persist after the recommended antibiotic treatment. The etiology of such persisting symptoms is under debate, and one hypothesis entails persistent infection by a subset of spirochetes after antibiotic therapy. Here, we review and appraise the experimental evidence from in vivo animal studies on the persistence of B. burgdorferi sensu lato infection after antibiotic treatment, focusing on the antimicrobial agents doxycycline and ceftriaxone. Our review indicates that some in vivo animal studies found sporadic positive cultures after antibiotic treatment. However, this culture positivity often seemed to be related to inadequate antibiotic treatment, and the few positive cultures in some studies could not be reproduced in other studies. Overall, current results from animal studies provide insufficient evidence for the persistence of viable and infectious spirochetes after adequate antibiotic treatment. Borrelial nucleic acids, on the contrary, were frequently detected in these animal studies and may thus persist after antibiotic treatment. We put forward that research into the pathogenesis of persisting complaints after antibiotic treatment for Lyme borreliosis in humans should be a top priority, but future studies should most definitely also focus on explanations other than persistent B. burgdorferi sensu lato infection after antibiotic treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y. L. Verschoor
- Amsterdam UMC, Location University of Amsterdam, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam UMC Multidisciplinary Lyme Borreliosis Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC, Location University of Amsterdam, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A. Vrijlandt
- Amsterdam UMC, Location University of Amsterdam, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam UMC Multidisciplinary Lyme Borreliosis Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC, Location University of Amsterdam, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - R. Spijker
- Amsterdam UMC, Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health, Medical Library, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - R. M. van Hest
- Amsterdam UMC, Location University of Amsterdam, Department of Hospital Pharmacy and Clinical Pharmacology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - H. ter Hofstede
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Lyme Borreliosis Outpatient Clinic, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - A. J. Henningsson
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Microbiology in Jönköping, Region Jönköping County, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - J. W. Hovius
- Amsterdam UMC, Location University of Amsterdam, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam UMC Multidisciplinary Lyme Borreliosis Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC, Location University of Amsterdam, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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18
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Methemoglobinemia in a Patent Presenting with an Undisclosed Intentional Overdose. Harv Rev Psychiatry 2022; 30:361-368. [PMID: 36534838 DOI: 10.1097/hrp.0000000000000348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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19
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Bernardshaw E, Gynthersen RMM, Bremell D, Mens H, Stenør C, Lorentzen ÅR, Bodilsen J, Eikeland R, Lebech AM. Antibiotic therapy of neuroborreliosis: A survey among infectious disease specialists and neurologists in Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2022; 13:102051. [PMID: 36228536 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.102051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neuroborreliosis (NB) is a prevalent tick-borne neuroinfection in Europe. To delineate current practice in antimicrobial management of adults with NB and to prioritize future trials needed to optimize treatment recommendations, a questionnaire-based survey was performed. METHODS A self-administered Internet-based survey of NB treatment practices among specialists in infectious diseases and neurology based in Norway, Sweden, and Denmark was carried out between October 2021 and February 2022. The participants were also asked to prioritize four pre-defined research questions for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on therapy for NB. RESULTS In total, 290 physicians (45% female) from Norway (30%), Sweden (40%), and Denmark (30%) participated in the survey. Of the responders, 230 (79%) were infectious disease specialists and 56 (19%) were neurologists. The preferred antibiotic treatment for patients with early NB was oral doxycycline (n = 225, 78%). Intravenous (IV) penicillin, ceftriaxone, or cefotaxime for the full treatment course was favored by 12%. A preferred treatment duration of 10-14 days for patients with NB was reported by 245 respondents (85%), most common among participants from Sweden (97%). A total of 170 (59%) responders reported having local hospital guidelines on the treatment of NB, most often with recommendation of oral doxycycline (92%) for 10-14 days (90%) as first line treatment. The prioritization score for future RCTs was highest for adjunctive prednisone therapy in NB patients with facial palsy (median 5; IQR 4-6) and for placebo versus repeated antibiotics in patients with persistent symptoms after completed antibiotic therapy for NB (median 5, IQR 3-6). CONCLUSION In Sweden, all respondents preferred treating NB with oral doxycycline for 10-14 days, whereas 5% in Norway and 19% in Denmark still treat NB with IV antibiotics for the entire treatment course. RCTs to define the role of adjunctive prednisolone in NB patients with facial palsy and repeated antibiotics in patients with persistent symptoms are prioritized for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Bernardshaw
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark
| | - Rosa M M Gynthersen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark.
| | - Daniel Bremell
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Helene Mens
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark
| | - Christian Stenør
- Department of Neurology, University hospital-Herlev Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Åslaug R Lorentzen
- Department of Neurology, Sørlandet Hospital Trust, Kristiansand, Norway; The Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Tick-borne Diseases, Sorlandet Hospital Trust, Kristiansand, Norway
| | - Jacob Bodilsen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Randi Eikeland
- Department of Neurology, Sørlandet Hospital Trust, Kristiansand, Norway; The Faculty of health and sport sciences, University of Agder, Grimstad, Norway
| | - Anne-Mette Lebech
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
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20
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Non-specific symptoms and post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome in patients with Lyme borreliosis: a prospective cohort study in Belgium (2016-2020). BMC Infect Dis 2022; 22:756. [PMID: 36171561 PMCID: PMC9518937 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07686-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Patients with Lyme borreliosis (LB) may report persisting non-specific symptoms such as fatigue, widespread musculoskeletal pain or cognitive difficulties. When present for more than 6 months and causing a reduction in daily activities, this is often referred to as post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS). This study aimed to compare the occurrence of symptoms between LB patients and controls, to estimate the proportion of LB patients developing PTLDS and to identify risk factors. Methods A prospective cohort study was set up including three subpopulations: patients with an erythema migrans (EM) (i) or disseminated/late LB (ii) and a non-LB control group (iii). At 6- and 12-months follow-up, the occurrence of several symptoms, including six symptoms used to define PTLDS, i.e. muscle pain, joint pain, fatigue, memory problems, difficulties concentrating and problems finding words, and impact on daily activities, was compared between LB patients and controls. Finally, the proportion of LB patients developing PTLDS as defined by the Infectious Disease Society of America was estimated, including a time frame for symptoms to be present. Results Although the risk of presenting PTLDS-related symptoms was significantly higher in EM patients (n = 120) compared to controls (n = 128) at 6 months follow-up, the risk of presenting at least one of these symptoms combined with impact on daily activities was not significantly higher in EM patients, at either 6- or 12-months follow-up. A significant association was found between disseminated/late LB (n = 15) and the occurrence of any PTLDS-symptom with an impact on daily activities at both time points. The proportion of patients with PTLDS was estimated at 5.9% (95% CI 2.7–12.9) in EM patients and 20.9% (95% CI 6.8–64.4) in patients with disseminated/late LB (RR = 3.53, 95% CI 0.98–12.68, p = 0.053). No significant risk factors were identified, which may be explained by small sample sizes. Conclusions In our study, PTLDS was present in both LB cohorts, yet with a higher percentage in disseminated/late LB patients. Additional research is needed into risk factors for and causes of this syndrome. In addition, development and validation of standardized methods to assess the PTLDS case definition, easily applicable in practice, is of great importance.
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12879-022-07686-8.
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Access to Care in Lyme Disease: Clinician Barriers to Providing Care. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10101882. [PMID: 36292329 PMCID: PMC9601439 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10101882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with persistent Lyme disease/chronic Lyme disease (PLD/CLD) encounter significant barriers to accessing medical care. Although this health inequity has been explored from the patient perspective, the obstacles clinicians encounter when providing care to this group of patients have not been examined. The primary goal of this study was to identify the challenges faced by clinicians who provide care for patients with PLD/CLD. Clinicians who treat PLD/CLD were surveyed regarding their professional backgrounds, general challenges to providing care, supply and demand constraints, insurance restrictions, and regulatory and legal challenges. Clinicians treating patients with PLD/CLD have developed substantial clinical expertise but encounter multiple clinical, regulatory and financial impediments to providing care. Clinician-encountered barriers may be powerful disincentives for providing care patients with PLD/CLD and make it difficult to retain and recruit clinicians who will care for the rapidly expanding PLD/CLD populations. Understanding these barriers and identifying potential solutions is essential to resolving the current supply/demand imbalance that makes it difficult for patients to receive the care they need to become well.
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22
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The Role of the Infectious Disease Consultation in Lyme Disease. Infect Dis Clin North Am 2022; 36:703-718. [PMID: 36116844 DOI: 10.1016/j.idc.2022.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
A consultation regarding Lyme disease can be challenging for the infectious disease physician when the referral question centers on the use of prolonged or empirical antibiotic treatment of Lyme disease and associated tick-borne infections. Patients who have been infected with Borrelia burgdorferi, and many who have been misdiagnosed, are confronted with a seemingly endless array of misinformation that is not in keeping with the current understanding of the clinical spectrum of Lyme disease and its response to evidence-based treatment. Preparing for these conversations with a good grasp of the public beliefs regarding Lyme disease and its treatment can be beneficial.
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23
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Abstract
Most patients with Lyme disease will fully recover with recommended antibiotic therapy. However, some patients report persisting nonspecific symptoms after treatment, referred to as posttreatment Lyme disease symptoms (PTLDs) or syndrome (PTLDS), depending on the degree to which the individual's symptoms impact their quality of life. PTLDs occur in a portion of patients diagnosed with chronic Lyme disease (CLD), a controversial term describing different patient populations, diagnosed based on unvalidated tests and criteria. Practitioners should review the evidence for the Lyme disease diagnosis and not overlook unrelated conditions. Current evidence shows that prolonged antibiotic therapy provides little benefit and carries significant risk. Further research to elucidate the mechanisms underlying persistent symptoms after Lyme disease and to understand CLD is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Marques
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, BG 10 RM 12C118 MSC 1888 10 Center, Bethesda, MD 20892-1888, USA.
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24
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Solheim AM, Lorentzen ÅR, Dahlberg AO, Flemmen HØ, Brune S, Forselv KJN, Pripp AH, Bø MH, Eikeland R, Reiso H, Mygland Å, Ljøstad U. Six versus 2 weeks treatment with doxycycline in European Lyme neuroborreliosis: a multicentre, non-inferiority, double-blinded, randomised and placebo-controlled trial. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2022; 93:jnnp-2022-329724. [PMID: 35896378 PMCID: PMC9606522 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2022-329724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is limited evidence regarding optimal duration of antibiotic treatment in neuroborreliosis. We aimed to compare efficacy and safety of oral doxycycline for 2 and 6 weeks in European Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB). METHODS The trial had a randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, non-inferiority design. Patients with LNB were recruited from eight Norwegian hospitals and randomised to doxycycline 200 mg once daily for 2 weeks, followed by 4 weeks of placebo, or doxycycline 200 mg once daily for 6 weeks. The primary endpoint was clinical improvement as measured by difference in a Composite Clinical Score (0-64 points) from baseline to 6 months. The non-inferiority margin was predetermined to 0.5 points. RESULTS One hundred and twenty-one patients were included. Fifty-two treated for 2 weeks and 53 for 6 weeks were included in the intention-to-treat analyses, and 52 and 51 in per-protocol analysis. Mean difference in clinical improvement between the groups was 0.06, 95% CI -1.2 to 1.2, p=0.99 in the intention-to-treat population, and -0.4, 95% CI -1.4 to 0.7, p=0.51 in the per-protocol population and non-inferiority could not be established. There were no treatment failures and no serious adverse events. The groups did not differ in secondary outcomes including clinical scores at 10 weeks and 12 months, cerebrospinal fluid data and patient-reported outcome measures. Patients receiving 6 weeks doxycycline reported slightly more side effects in week 5. CONCLUSION Our results strongly indicate that there are no benefits of doxycycline treatment beyond 2 weeks in European LNB. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER 2015-001481-25.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Marit Solheim
- Department of Neurology, Sørlandet sykehus HF Kristiansand, Kristiansand, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Åslaug Rudjord Lorentzen
- Department of Neurology, Sørlandet sykehus HF Kristiansand, Kristiansand, Norway
- The Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Tick-borne diseases, Sørlandet sykehus HF Arendal, Arendal, Norway
| | - Audun Olav Dahlberg
- Department of Neurology, Møre og Romsdal Hospital Trust, Molde, Norway
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | | | - Synne Brune
- Department of Neurology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Are Hugo Pripp
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology Unit, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Randi Eikeland
- The Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Tick-borne diseases, Sørlandet sykehus HF Arendal, Arendal, Norway
- Institute of Health and Nursing Science, University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway
| | - Harald Reiso
- The Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Tick-borne diseases, Sørlandet sykehus HF Arendal, Arendal, Norway
| | - Åse Mygland
- Department of Neurology, Sørlandet sykehus HF Kristiansand, Kristiansand, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Unn Ljøstad
- Department of Neurology, Sørlandet sykehus HF Kristiansand, Kristiansand, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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25
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Briciu V, Flonta M, Leucuța D, Lupșe M. The Diagnostic Challenges and Clinical and Serological Outcome in Patients Hospitalized for Suspected Lyme Neuroborreliosis. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10071392. [PMID: 35889111 PMCID: PMC9324737 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10071392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of our study was to evaluate the differential diagnosis and clinical/serological outcome to antibiotic treatment in patients hospitalized for suspected Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB). A prospective study included patients hospitalized in a Romanian hospital between March 2011 and October 2012 with neurological symptoms, positive laboratory tests for Borrelia burgdorferi, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, and no previous treatment for LNB. A questionnaire was completed for each patient at admission, at the end of treatment, and 3 months later. Patients were treated with antibiotic therapy (ceftriaxone/cefotaxime), irrespective of CSF analysis results. A symptomatic scoring scale was used for the follow-up. Out of the 42 patients included, no patient fulfilled criteria for definite LNB; 7 patients were classified as possible LNB; and in 33 patients, LNB was excluded. Two patients could not be classified (insufficient amount of CSF). Clinical follow-up suggested a better response to therapy in the group of patients with possible LNB than in the group with LNB excluded. The patients’ differential diagnosis and serological follow-up are presented. Patients investigated for suspected LNB present diverse clinical manifestations and comorbidities that complicate differential diagnosis. LNB may be misdiagnosed if CSF analysis is not performed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Violeta Briciu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
- The Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases, 400348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
- Correspondence:
| | - Mirela Flonta
- The Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases, 400348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Daniel Leucuța
- Department of Medical Informatics and Biostatistics, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Mihaela Lupșe
- Department of Infectious Diseases, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
- The Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases, 400348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
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Efficacy of Short-Term High Dose Pulsed Dapsone Combination Therapy in the Treatment of Chronic Lyme Disease/Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS) and Associated Co-Infections: A Report of Three Cases and Literature Review. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11070912. [PMID: 35884166 PMCID: PMC9311795 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11070912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Lyme disease and associated co-infections are increasing worldwide and approximately 20% of individuals develop chronic Lyme disease (CLD)/Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS) despite early antibiotics. A seven- to eight-week protocol of double dose dapsone combination therapy (DDDCT) for CLD/PTLDS results in symptom remission in approximately 50% of patients for one year or longer, with published culture studies indicating higher doses of dapsone demonstrate efficacy against resistant biofilm forms of Borrelia burgdorferi. The purpose of this study was, therefore, to evaluate higher doses of dapsone in the treatment of resistant CLD/PTLDS and associated co-infections. A total of 25 patients with a history of Lyme and associated co-infections, most of whom had ongoing symptoms despite several courses of DDDCT, took one or more courses of high dose pulsed dapsone combination therapy (200 mg dapsone × 3–4 days and/or 200 mg BID × 4 days), depending on persistent symptoms. The majority of patients noticed sustained improvement in eight major Lyme symptoms, including fatigue, pain, headaches, neuropathy, insomnia, cognition, and sweating, where dapsone dosage, not just the treatment length, positively affected outcomes. High dose pulsed dapsone combination therapy may represent a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of resistant CLD/PTLDS, and should be confirmed in randomized, controlled clinical trials.
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Sur ML, Moldovan BS, Mocanu D, Samasca G, Lupan I, Armat I, Harabagiu M, Sur G, Lazar C. Immune Responses to Some Viral Infections That Have a High Evolutionary Potential-A Case Report with Literature Review. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:life12070940. [PMID: 35888030 PMCID: PMC9324372 DOI: 10.3390/life12070940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Viral infections are a key issue in modern medicine. SARS-CoV-2 infection confirms that we are not sufficiently prepared for these unforeseen infections. The COVID-19 pandemic has cultivated a great sense of fear and distrust in patients. If viral infections, in this case, SARS-CoV-2, overlap with another infection, the symptoms are prolonged and worsened, and complications may occur. Starting from an objective clinical finding of a patient they had in follow-up and treatment, the authors present the problems of the diseases the patient suffered from. These are described as reviews so that readers can get an idea of the clinical methods of expression and the therapeutic possibilities. Therefore, this article describes Lyme disease and post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome, SARS-CoV-2 infection, and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MISC-C), as the patient suffered from an incomplete form of Kawasaki disease. During the treatment for Lyme disease, the patient also contracted the influenza type A virus. Although any of these diseases could have the potential for serious evolution, our patient still went through these infections relatively well. This can be explained by the fact that the patient had a slow immune response to the aforementioned infections, which allowed him to survive these diseases relatively easily, unlike other individuals who have an exaggerated immune response or who suffer from serious immune involvement, e.g., hepatitis B with a fulminant response. The case was presented chronologically, but at the same time, all particular infection manifestations were accurately described. For these reasons, the article is presented in the form of a review, exemplified by the case itself. Of the 52 cases of MISC-C found in the Pediatrics Clinic II of Cluj-Napoca, we present the case of a male patient who presented with Lyme disease, post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome, Kawasaki disease, and MISC-C incomplete form.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Lucia Sur
- Department of Pediatric I, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (M.L.S.); (M.H.); (C.L.)
| | - Bogdan-Stefan Moldovan
- Children’s Emergency Clinical Hospital, 400370 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (B.-S.M.); (D.M.); (I.A.); (G.S.)
| | - Diana Mocanu
- Children’s Emergency Clinical Hospital, 400370 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (B.-S.M.); (D.M.); (I.A.); (G.S.)
| | - Gabriel Samasca
- Children’s Emergency Clinical Hospital, 400370 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (B.-S.M.); (D.M.); (I.A.); (G.S.)
- Department of Immunology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Iulia Lupan
- Molecular Biology Department, Babes Bolyai University, 400084 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Ionel Armat
- Children’s Emergency Clinical Hospital, 400370 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (B.-S.M.); (D.M.); (I.A.); (G.S.)
| | - Marin Harabagiu
- Department of Pediatric I, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (M.L.S.); (M.H.); (C.L.)
- Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases, 400000 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Genel Sur
- Children’s Emergency Clinical Hospital, 400370 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (B.-S.M.); (D.M.); (I.A.); (G.S.)
| | - Calin Lazar
- Department of Pediatric I, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (M.L.S.); (M.H.); (C.L.)
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Multidisciplinary Management of Suspected Lyme Borreliosis: Clinical Features of 569 Patients, and Factors Associated with Recovery at 3 and 12 Months, a Prospective Cohort Study. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10030607. [PMID: 35336182 PMCID: PMC8955660 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10030607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction. Because patients with a suspicion of Lyme borreliosis (LB) may have experienced difficult care paths, the Tick-Borne Diseases Reference Center (TBD-RC) was started in 2017. The aim of our study was to compare the clinical features of patients according to their final diagnoses, and to determine the factors associated with recovery in the context of multidisciplinary management for suspected LB. Methods. We included all adult patients who were seen at the TBD-RC (2017–2020). Four groups were defined: (i) confirmed LB, (ii) possible LB, (iii) Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS) or sequelae, and (iv) other diagnoses. Their clinical evolution at 3, 6, and 9–12 months after care was compared. Factors associated with recovery at 3 and at 9–12 months were identified using logistic regression models. Results. Among the 569 patients who consulted, 72 (12.6%) had confirmed LB, 43 (7.6%) possible LB, 58 (10.2%) PTLDS/sequelae, and 396 (69.2%) another diagnosis. A favorable evolution was observed in 389/569 (68.4%) at three months and in 459/569 (80.7%) at 12 months, independent of the final diagnosis. A longer delay between the first symptoms and the first consultation at the TBD-RC (p = 0.001), the multiplicity of the diagnoses (p = 0.004), and the inappropriate prescription of long-term antibiotic therapy (p = 0.023) were negatively associated with recovery, reflecting serial misdiagnoses. Conclusions. A multidisciplinary team dedicated to suspicion of LB may achieve a more precise diagnosis and better patient-centered medical support in the adapted clinical sector with a shorter delay, enabling clinical improvement and avoiding inappropriate antimicrobial prescription.
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A Review of Post-treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome and Chronic Lyme Disease for the Practicing Immunologist. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol 2021; 62:264-271. [PMID: 34687445 DOI: 10.1007/s12016-021-08906-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Lyme disease is an infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, which is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected Ixodes tick. The majority of patients recover without complications with antibiotic therapy. However, for a minority of patients, accompanying non-specific symptoms can persist for months following completion of therapy. The constellation of symptoms such as fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, and musculoskeletal pain that persist beyond 6 months and are associated with disability have been termed post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS), a subset of a broader term "chronic Lyme disease." Chronic Lyme disease is a broad, vaguely defined term that is used to describe patients with non-specific symptoms that are attributed to a presumed persistent Borrelia burgdorferi infection in patients who may or may not have evidence of either previous or current Lyme disease. The diagnoses of chronic Lyme disease and of PTLDS have become increasingly relevant to the practice of immunologists due to referrals for consultation or for intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment. This review aims to explore the relationship between chronic Lyme disease, post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome, and the immune system. Here, we review the current literature on (1) issues in conventional and alternative diagnostic testing for Lyme disease, (2) the hypothesis that B. burgdorferi infection can persist despite appropriate use of recommended antibiotics, (3) current theories regarding B. burgdorferi's role in causing both immune dysregulation and protracted symptoms, and (4) the use of IVIG for the treatment of Lyme disease.
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Markowicz M, Kundi M, Stanek G, Stockinger H. Nonspecific symptoms following infection with Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato: A retrospective cohort study. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2021; 13:101851. [PMID: 34662801 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2021.101851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Whether infection with Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (sl) can cause nonspecific symptoms is a matter of controversy. We investigated whether individuals infected with B. burgdorferi sl develop unspecific symptoms more frequently than non-infected controls. Eighty-nine persons having presented with B. burgdorferi sl infection between 2015 and 2019 were asked to participate. The infection was defined as erythema migrans diagnosed either in the course of a previous study, during medical visits in the outpatient department, or as seroconversion in asymptomatic subjects. The control group consisted of 85 seronegative individuals without erythema migrans in the past. About two and a half years later, participants were asked to fill out a questionnaire with a list of nonspecific symptoms. The data of 37 persons with previous Borrelia infection and 49 uninfected controls were available for analysis. Muscle pain was significantly (P = 0.040) more frequent in the control group. Fatigue occurred more often in the infected group, but this was not statistically significant (P = 0.109). Likewise, the distribution of other symptoms did not differ considerably. The analysis revealed no difference in the frequency of symptoms of persons who had EM or asymptomatic Borrelia infection 2 years prior assessment in comparison to persons without Borrelia infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Markowicz
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology; Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, A-1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Michael Kundi
- Department of Environmental Health, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, A-1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Gerold Stanek
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology; Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, A-1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Hannes Stockinger
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology; Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, A-1090 Vienna, Austria.
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Lantos PM, Balamuth F, Neville D, Garro AC, Levas MN, Bennett J, Thompson AD, Kharbanda AB, Branda JA, Nigrovic LE. Two-Tier Lyme Disease Serology in Children with Previous Lyme Disease. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2021; 21:839-842. [PMID: 34610255 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2021.0030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: A history of Lyme disease can complicate the interpretation of Lyme disease serology in acutely symptomatic patients. Materials and Methods: We prospectively enrolled children undergoing evaluation for Lyme disease in the emergency department of one of eight participating Pedi Lyme Net centers. We selected symptomatic children with a Lyme disease history (definite, probable, or none) as well as an available research biosample. We defined a Lyme disease case with either an erythema migrans (EM) lesion or positive two-tier serology with compatible symptoms. Using a generalized estimating equation, we examined the relationship between time from previous Lyme disease diagnosis and current Lyme disease after adjustment for patient demographics and symptoms as well as clustering by center. Results: Of 2501 prospectively enrolled study patients, 126 (5.0%) reported a history of definite or probable Lyme disease. Of these children with previous Lyme disease, 47 met diagnostic criteria for Lyme disease at the time of enrollment (37.3%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 29.1-45.7%); 2 had an EM lesion, and 45 had positive two-tier Lyme disease serology. Over time from the previous Lyme disease diagnosis, the less likely the patient met diagnostic criteria for Lyme disease (adjusted odds ratio 0.62 per time period; 95% CI 0.46-0.84). Conclusions: For children with a history of Lyme disease before enrollment, one-third met the diagnostic criteria for acute Lyme disease with a declining rate over time from previous Lyme disease diagnosis. Novel Lyme disease diagnostics are needed to help distinguish acute from previous Lyme disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul M Lantos
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Frances Balamuth
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Desiree Neville
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Aris C Garro
- Department of Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Michael N Levas
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Milwaukee Children's Hospital, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Jonathan Bennett
- Division of Emergency Medicine, A.I. Dupont Children's Hospital, Wilmington, Delaware, USA
| | - Amy D Thompson
- Division of Emergency Medicine, A.I. Dupont Children's Hospital, Wilmington, Delaware, USA
| | - Anupam B Kharbanda
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - John A Branda
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lise E Nigrovic
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Maksimyan S, Syed MS, Soti V. Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome: Need for Diagnosis and Treatment. Cureus 2021; 13:e18703. [PMID: 34659931 PMCID: PMC8507427 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.18703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
With the continued surge in Lyme disease cases, post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS) is becoming a more pressing health concern. The aim of this review is to identify comprehensive treatment strategies for PTLDS patients. Unfortunately, universal guidelines for diagnosing and treating PTLDS do not currently exist. Consequently, physicians cannot adequately address concerns of possible PTLDS patients. Patients are left suffering and searching for answers, and their activities of daily living and quality of life are adversely impacted. This review highlights that PTLDS clinical trials have focused mainly on treatment with antibiotics, yielding challenging results that lack consistency in inclusion criteria across trials. It will remain exceedingly difficult to extrapolate the outcomes of such studies if a standard for PTLDS diagnosis is not well-established. By focusing on treatment trials rather than establishing diagnostic criteria, research in this field ignores a critical step in investigating PTLDS. The first significant step is to create comprehensive guidelines for the diagnosis of PTLDS, which can generate uniformity and validate PTLDS treatment trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Maksimyan
- Infectious Disease, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Elmira, USA
| | - Munir S Syed
- Pathology and Histology, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Elmira, USA
| | - Varun Soti
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Elmira, USA
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Elliott KC. The value-ladenness of transparency in science: Lessons from Lyme disease. STUDIES IN HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE 2021; 88:1-9. [PMID: 33945897 DOI: 10.1016/j.shpsa.2021.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Both philosophers and scientists have recently promoted transparency as an important element of responsible scientific practice. Philosophers have placed particular emphasis on the ways that transparency can assist with efforts to manage value judgments in science responsibly. This paper examines a potential challenge to this approach, namely, that efforts to promote transparency can themselves be value-laden. This is particularly problematic when transparency incorporates second-order value judgments that are underwritten by the same values at stake in the desire for transparency about the first-order value judgments involved in scientific research. The paper uses a case study involving research on Lyme disease to illustrate this worry, but it responds by elucidating a range of scenarios in which transparency can still play an effective role in managing value judgments responsibly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin C Elliott
- Lyman Briggs College, Department of Fisheries & Wildlife, Department of Philosophy, Michigan State University, 35E Holmes Hall, 919 E. Shaw Lane, East Lansing, MI, 48825, USA.
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Borreliosi di Lyme e neuroborreliosi. Neurologia 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/s1634-7072(21)45319-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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Methodological Quality Assessment with the AGREE II Scale and a Comparison of European and American Guidelines for the Treatment of Lyme Borreliosis: A Systematic Review. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10080972. [PMID: 34451436 PMCID: PMC8399315 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10080972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most European and American countries recently updated their guidelines on Lyme borreliosis (LB). The aim of this study was to provide a comparative overview of existing guidelines on the treatment of LB in Europe and America and to assess the methodological quality of their elaboration. METHODS A systematic search was carried out in MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and the national databases of scientific societies from 2014 to 2020. Quality was assessed by two independent reviewers using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II (AGREE II) tool. RESULTS Twelve guidelines were included. The scores for the AGREE II domains (median ± IQR) were: overall assessment 100 ± 22, scope and purpose 85 ± 46, stakeholder involvement 88 ± 48, rigour of development 67 ± 35, clarity of presentation 81 ± 36, applicability 73 ± 52 and editorial independence 79% ± 54%. Cohen's weighted kappa showed a high agreement (K = 0.90, 95%CI 0.84-0.96). Guidelines were quite homogeneous regarding the recommended molecules (mostly doxycycline in the first intention and ceftriaxone in the second intention), their duration (10 to 28 days), and their dosage. The differences were due to the lack of well-conducted comparative trials. The International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS) guidelines were the only ones to suggest longer antibiotics based on an expert consensus. CONCLUSION European and American guidelines for the treatment of LB were quite homogeneous but based on moderate- to low-evidence studies. Well-conducted comparative trials are needed to assess the best molecules, the optimal duration and the most effective doses.
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Abstract
Lyme disease, or Lyme borreliosis, is the most common tickborne disease in the United States and Europe. In both locations, Ixodes species ticks transmit the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato bacteria species responsible for causing the infection. The diversity of Borrelia species that cause human infection is greater in Europe; the 2 B. burgdorferi s.l. species collectively responsible for most infections in Europe, B. afzelii and B. garinii, are not found in the United States, where most infections are caused by B. burgdorferi sensu stricto. Strain differences seem to explain some of the variation in the clinical manifestations of Lyme disease, which are both minor and substantive, between the United States and Europe. Future studies should attempt to delineate the specific virulence factors of the different species of B. burgdorferi s.l. responsible for these variations in clinical features.
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Raffetin A, Barquin A, Nguala S, Paoletti G, Rabaud C, Chassany O, Caraux-Paz P, Covasso S, Partouche H. Perceptions, Representations, and Experiences of Patients Presenting Nonspecific Symptoms in the Context of Suspected Lyme Borreliosis. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9071515. [PMID: 34361950 PMCID: PMC8304161 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9071515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Some subjective symptoms may be reported at all stages of Lyme borreliosis (LB) and may persist for several months after treatment. Nonspecific symptoms without any objective manifestation of LB are sometimes attributed by patients to a possible tick bite. The aim of our study was to explore the perceptions, representations, and experiences that these patients had of their disease and care paths. METHODS We performed a qualitative study through individual interviews (October 2017-May 2018), based on grounded theory, following the COREQ checklist. A balanced sample of patients with diverse profiles was recruited at consultations with general practitioners and infectious disease physicians. RESULTS Twelve patients were interviewed. Data saturation was reached at the twelfth interview. For codes, 293 were identified, and classified into 5 themes: (1) the experience of disabling nonspecific symptoms, especially pain, causing confusion and fear, (2) long and difficult care paths for the majority of the patients, experienced as an obstacle course, (3) a break with the previous state of health, causing a negative impact on every sphere of the patient's life, (4) empowerment of the patients and the self-management of their disease, and (5) the strong expression of a desire for change, with better listening, greater recognition of the symptoms, and simpler care paths. CONCLUSIONS This study allows for the understanding of a patient's behaviours and the obstacles encountered, the way they are perceived, and the necessary solutions. The patients' expectations identified here could help physicians better understand the doctor-patient relationship in these complex management situations, which would reduce the burden of the disease. The current development of specialised reference centres could help meet the patients' demands and those of family physicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Raffetin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tick-Borne Diseases Reference Centre, North Region, CH Villeneuve Saint Georges, 40 Allée de la Source, 94190 Villeneuve-Saint-Georges, France; (S.N.); (P.C.-P.); (S.C.)
- European Study Group for Lyme Borreliosis ESGBOR, ESCMID, Gerbergasse 14 3rd Floor, 4001 Basel, Switzerland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-143862068
| | - Aude Barquin
- Département de Médecine Générale, Paris University, Site Cochin 27, Rue du Fbg Saint-Jacques, CEDEX 14, 75679 Paris, France; (A.B.); (H.P.)
| | - Steve Nguala
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tick-Borne Diseases Reference Centre, North Region, CH Villeneuve Saint Georges, 40 Allée de la Source, 94190 Villeneuve-Saint-Georges, France; (S.N.); (P.C.-P.); (S.C.)
| | - Giulia Paoletti
- Department of Psychiatry, Tick-Borne Diseases Reference Centre, Île-de-France/Hauts-de-France, CH Villeneuve Saint Georges, 40 Allée de la Source, 94190 Villeneuve-Saint-Georges, France;
| | - Christian Rabaud
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tick-Borne Diseases Reference Centre, East Region, CHRU Nancy, Bâtiment Philippe Canton, Hôpitaux de Brabois, Allée du Morvan, 54500 Vandoeuvre les Nancy, France;
| | - Olivier Chassany
- Health Economics Clinical Trial Unit (URC-ECO), Hôpital Hotel-Dieu, AP-HP, 1 Place du Parvis Notre Dame, 75004 Paris, France;
| | - Pauline Caraux-Paz
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tick-Borne Diseases Reference Centre, North Region, CH Villeneuve Saint Georges, 40 Allée de la Source, 94190 Villeneuve-Saint-Georges, France; (S.N.); (P.C.-P.); (S.C.)
| | - Sarah Covasso
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tick-Borne Diseases Reference Centre, North Region, CH Villeneuve Saint Georges, 40 Allée de la Source, 94190 Villeneuve-Saint-Georges, France; (S.N.); (P.C.-P.); (S.C.)
- Department of Anthropology, University Lyon II, UFR Anthropologie, Sociologie et Science Politique, Université Lumière Lyon 2, 5 Avenue Pierre Mendès France, 69676 Bron, France
| | - Henri Partouche
- Département de Médecine Générale, Paris University, Site Cochin 27, Rue du Fbg Saint-Jacques, CEDEX 14, 75679 Paris, France; (A.B.); (H.P.)
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Maloney EL. Evidence-Based, Patient-Centered Treatment of Erythema Migrans in the United States. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:754. [PMID: 34206379 PMCID: PMC8300839 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10070754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Lyme disease, often characterized as a readily treatable infection, can be a debilitating and expensive illness, especially when patients remain symptomatic following therapy for early disease. Identifying and promoting highly effective therapeutic interventions for US patients with erythema migrans (EM) rashes that return them to their pre-infection health status should be a priority. The recently released treatment recommendations by the Infectious Diseases Society of America/American Academy of Neurology/American College of Rheumatology (IDSA/AAN/ACR) for the treatment of US patients fall short of that goal. This paper reviews the US trial evidence regarding EM rashes, discusses the shortcomings of the IDSA/AAN/ACR recommendations in light of that evidence and offers evidence-based, patient-centered strategies for managing patients with erythema migrans lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth L Maloney
- Partnership for Tick-Borne Diseases Education, P.O. Box 84, Wyoming, MN 55092, USA
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39
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Ford L, Tufts DM. Lyme Neuroborreliosis: Mechanisms of B. burgdorferi Infection of the Nervous System. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11060789. [PMID: 34203671 PMCID: PMC8232152 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11060789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2021] [Revised: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Lyme borreliosis is the most prevalent tick-borne disease in the United States, infecting ~476,000 people annually. Borrelia spp. spirochetal bacteria are the causative agents of Lyme disease in humans and are transmitted by Ixodes spp ticks. Clinical manifestations vary depending on which Borrelia genospecies infects the patient and may be a consequence of distinct organotropism between species. In the US, B. burgdorferi sensu stricto is the most commonly reported genospecies and infection can manifest as mild to severe symptoms. Different genotypes of B. burgdorferi sensu stricto may be responsible for causing varying degrees of clinical manifestations. While the majority of Lyme borreliae-infected patients fully recover with antibiotic treatment, approximately 15% of infected individuals experience long-term neurological and psychological symptoms that are unresponsive to antibiotics. Currently, long-term antibiotic treatment remains the only FDA-approved option for those suffering from these chronic effects. Here, we discuss the current knowledge pertaining to B. burgdorferi sensu stricto infection in the central nervous system (CNS), termed Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB), within North America and specifically the United States. We explore the molecular mechanisms of spirochete entry into the brain and the role B. burgdorferi sensu stricto genotypes play in CNS infectivity. Understanding infectivity can provide therapeutic targets for LNB treatment and offer public health understanding of the B. burgdorferi sensu stricto genotypes that cause long-lasting symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenzie Ford
- Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
- Correspondence: (L.F.); (D.M.T.)
| | - Danielle M. Tufts
- Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Department, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
- Correspondence: (L.F.); (D.M.T.)
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van Middendorp H, Berende A, Vos FJ, Ter Hofstede HHM, Kullberg BJ, Evers AWM. Expectancies as predictors of symptom improvement after antimicrobial therapy for persistent symptoms attributed to Lyme disease. Clin Rheumatol 2021; 40:4295-4308. [PMID: 34031759 PMCID: PMC8463383 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-021-05760-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVE Expectancies about symptom improvement or deterioration are reliable predictors of symptom progression and treatment outcomes (symptom resolution or symptomatic improvement) in many (non-)pharmacological studies and treatments. This study examined predictors of symptom improvement after antimicrobial therapy for persistent symptoms attributed to Lyme disease, hypothesizing particularly pre-treatment expectancies regarding symptom improvement to be predictive. METHODS A predictive study was performed on pre-treatment and post-treatment individual characteristics, including expectancies, and physical and mental health-related quality of life (HRQoL) from the PLEASE-trial comparing randomized 12-weeks of doxycycline, clarithromycin-hydroxychloroquine, or placebo following 2 weeks of intravenous ceftriaxone. At end-of-treatment (14 weeks after trial start) and follow-up (52 weeks), complete data of 231 and 170 (of initial 280) patients with persistent symptoms temporally related to a history of erythema migrans or otherwise confirmed symptomatic Lyme disease, or accompanied by B. burgdorferi IgG or IgM antibodies, were examined through hierarchical regression analyses. RESULTS In addition to pre-treatment HRQoL, pre-treatment expectancies regarding symptom improvement were consistently associated with stronger physical and mental HRQoL improvements at both end-of-treatment and follow-up (95% CI range: .09;.54, p < .01 to .27;.92, p < .001). Post-treatment expectancies regarding having received antibiotics vs. placebo was associated with more HRQoL improvement at end-of-treatment, but not at follow-up (95% CI-range 1.00;4.75, p = .003 to -7.34; -2.22, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS The present study shows that, next to pre-treatment functioning, patients' pre-treatment and post-treatment expectancies regarding improvement of persistent symptoms attributed to Lyme disease relate to a more beneficial symptom course. Expectancies of patients may be relevant to explain and potentially improve patient outcomes (e.g., by optimized communication about treatment success). TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01207739 (Registration date: 23-09-2010) Key Points • As there is currently no sufficient symptom resolution or symptomatic improvement for many patients with persistent symptoms attributed to Lyme disease, it is relevant to know which factors determine symptom progression and predict heterogeneity in treatment response. • Next to pre-treatment functioning, expectancies regarding symptom improvement and having received antimicrobial study medication are associated with a more beneficial symptom course after both shorter-term and longer-term antimicrobial treatment. • Expectancies are relevant to consider in treatment studies and may be useful in clinical settings to improve symptom course and treatment outcome (e.g., by optimized communication about treatment success).
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Affiliation(s)
- Henriët van Middendorp
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, PO Box 9555, 2300 RB, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Anneleen Berende
- Department of Medicine, Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Gelre Ziekenhuizen, Apeldoorn, The Netherlands
| | - Fidel J Vos
- Department of Medicine, Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Sint Maartenskliniek, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Hadewych H M Ter Hofstede
- Department of Medicine, Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Bart Jan Kullberg
- Department of Medicine, Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Andrea W M Evers
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, PO Box 9555, 2300 RB, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Abstract
Lyme disease is a multisystem disease caused by Borrelia burgdorferi infection and accounts for well-defined manifestations, appearing either at an early or late stage. Appropriate antibiotic therapy generally leads to a favorable outcome. Still, unspecific persisting symptoms such as fatigue, myalgia, arthralgia or cognitive dysfunction are reported by several patients months to years after adequate treatment. Their underlying pathophysiologic mechanism is unclear. However, there is no evidence for microbiological persistence in these cases and attempts to resolve the symptoms by repeated or prolonged antibiotic treatment have not been convincingly successful, but they may rather be harmful. To narrow down the controversially handled entity of posttreatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS) and to avoid overdiagnosis and overtreatment, case definitions have been proposed, acknowledging PTLDS as a complex of nonspecific, subjective symptoms, which are neither caused by ongoing infection nor by any other identifiable disease. PTLDS is mainly a diagnosis of exclusion and requires careful evaluation of differential diagnosis followed by counseling about optimal management in light of missing specific therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Schmid
- From the University of Basel Children's Hospital, Paediatric Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, Basel, Switzerland
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Strle K, Strle F. Posttreatment Symptoms in Lyme Borreliosis. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 71:3125-3127. [PMID: 31995636 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciz1218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Klemen Strle
- Laboratory of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Division of Infectious Diseases, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Franc Strle
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Lantos PM, Rumbaugh J, Bockenstedt LK, Falck-Ytter YT, Aguero-Rosenfeld ME, Auwaerter PG, Baldwin K, Bannuru RR, Belani KK, Bowie WR, Branda JA, Clifford DB, DiMario FJ, Halperin JJ, Krause PJ, Lavergne V, Liang MH, Meissner HC, Nigrovic LE, Nocton JJJ, Osani MC, Pruitt AA, Rips J, Rosenfeld LE, Savoy ML, Sood SK, Steere AC, Strle F, Sundel R, Tsao J, Vaysbrot EE, Wormser GP, Zemel LS. Clinical Practice Guidelines by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), American Academy of Neurology (AAN), and American College of Rheumatology (ACR): 2020 Guidelines for the Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Lyme Disease. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 72:e1-e48. [PMID: 33417672 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa1215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This evidence-based clinical practice guideline for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of Lyme disease was developed by a multidisciplinary panel representing the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), the American Academy of Neurology (AAN), and the American College of Rheumatology (ACR). The scope of this guideline includes prevention of Lyme disease, and the diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease presenting as erythema migrans, Lyme disease complicated by neurologic, cardiac, and rheumatologic manifestations, Eurasian manifestations of Lyme disease, and Lyme disease complicated by coinfection with other tick-borne pathogens. This guideline does not include comprehensive recommendations for babesiosis and tick-borne rickettsial infections, which are published in separate guidelines. The target audience for this guideline includes primary care physicians and specialists caring for this condition such as infectious diseases specialists, emergency physicians, internists, pediatricians, family physicians, neurologists, rheumatologists, cardiologists and dermatologists in North America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul M Lantos
- Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | | | | | - Yngve T Falck-Ytter
- Case Western Reserve University, VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | | | - Paul G Auwaerter
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Kelly Baldwin
- Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Kiran K Belani
- Childrens Hospital and Clinical of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - William R Bowie
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - John A Branda
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - David B Clifford
- Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | | | | | - Peter J Krause
- Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Amy A Pruitt
- University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jane Rips
- Consumer Representative, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | | | | | | | - Allen C Steere
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Franc Strle
- University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Robert Sundel
- Boston Children's Hospital Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jean Tsao
- Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | | | | | - Lawrence S Zemel
- Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Hartford, Connecticut, USA
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Njie AB, Mitchell M, Pukkila-Worley R. Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter-Associated Nocardia nova Endocarditis in a Patient Receiving Intravenous Antibiotics for Chronic Lyme Disease. Open Forum Infect Dis 2021; 8:ofab041. [PMID: 33728358 PMCID: PMC7944348 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofab041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Long-term antibiotics are not effective for the therapy of patients with persistent symptoms and a history of Lyme disease. However, some clinicians still prescribe these therapies. We present a case of peripherally inserted central catheter-associated Nocardia nova endocarditis in a patient who had been receiving intravenous antibiotics for the management of chronic Lyme disease. This case highlights an important risk associated with the unscientific use of indwelling peripheral catheters and intravenous antibiotics for the management of such patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aji B Njie
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michael Mitchell
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Read Pukkila-Worley
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
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Steere AC. Posttreatment Lyme disease syndromes: distinct pathogenesis caused by maladaptive host responses. J Clin Invest 2021; 130:2148-2151. [PMID: 32281948 DOI: 10.1172/jci138062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
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Feature Selection from Lyme Disease Patient Survey Using Machine Learning. ALGORITHMS 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/a13120334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Lyme disease is a rapidly growing illness that remains poorly understood within the medical community. Critical questions about when and why patients respond to treatment or stay ill, what kinds of treatments are effective, and even how to properly diagnose the disease remain largely unanswered. We investigate these questions by applying machine learning techniques to a large scale Lyme disease patient registry, MyLymeData, developed by the nonprofit LymeDisease.org. We apply various machine learning methods in order to measure the effect of individual features in predicting participants’ answers to the Global Rating of Change (GROC) survey questions that assess the self-reported degree to which their condition improved, worsened, or remained unchanged following antibiotic treatment. We use basic linear regression, support vector machines, neural networks, entropy-based decision tree models, and k-nearest neighbors approaches. We first analyze the general performance of the model and then identify the most important features for predicting participant answers to GROC. After we identify the “key” features, we separate them from the dataset and demonstrate the effectiveness of these features at identifying GROC. In doing so, we highlight possible directions for future study both mathematically and clinically.
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Efficacy of Double-Dose Dapsone Combination Therapy in the Treatment of Chronic Lyme Disease/Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS) and Associated Co-infections: A Report of Three Cases and Retrospective Chart Review. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:antibiotics9110725. [PMID: 33105645 PMCID: PMC7690415 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9110725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Three patients with multi-year histories of relapsing and remitting Lyme disease and associated co-infections despite extended antibiotic therapy were each given double-dose dapsone combination therapy (DDD CT) for a total of 7–8 weeks. At the completion of therapy, all three patients’ major Lyme symptoms remained in remission for a period of 25–30 months. A retrospective chart review of 37 additional patients undergoing DDD CT therapy (40 patients in total) was also performed, which demonstrated tick-borne symptom improvements in 98% of patients, with 45% remaining in remission for 1 year or longer. In conclusion, double-dose dapsone therapy could represent a novel and effective anti-infective strategy in chronic Lyme disease/post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS), especially in those individuals who have failed regular dose dapsone combination therapy (DDS CT) or standard antibiotic protocols. A randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled trial is warranted to evaluate the efficacy of DDD CT in those individuals with chronic Lyme disease/PTLDS.
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48
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Johnson L, Shapiro M, Stricker RB, Vendrow J, Haddock J, Needell D. Antibiotic Treatment Response in Chronic Lyme Disease: Why Do Some Patients Improve While Others Do Not? Healthcare (Basel) 2020; 8:healthcare8040383. [PMID: 33022914 PMCID: PMC7712932 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare8040383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
There is considerable uncertainty regarding treatment of Lyme disease patients who do not respond fully to initial short-term antibiotic therapy. Choosing the best treatment approach and duration remains challenging because treatment response among these patients varies: some patients improve with treatment while others do not. A previous study examined treatment response variation in a sample of over 3500 patients enrolled in the MyLymeData patient registry developed by LymeDisease.org (San Ramon, CA, USA). That study used a validated Global Rating of Change (GROC) scale to identify three treatment response subgroups among Lyme disease patients who remained ill: nonresponders, low responders, and high responders. The present study first characterizes the health status, symptom severity, and percentage of treatment response across these three patient subgroups together with a fourth subgroup, patients who identify as well. We then employed machine learning techniques across these subgroups to determine features most closely associated with improved patient outcomes, and we used traditional statistical techniques to examine how these features relate to treatment response of the four groups. High treatment response was most closely associated with (1) the use of antibiotics or a combination of antibiotics and alternative treatments, (2) longer duration of treatment, and (3) oversight by a clinician whose practice focused on the treatment of tick-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mira Shapiro
- Analytic Designers LLC, Bethesda, MD 20817, USA;
| | - Raphael B. Stricker
- Union Square Medical Associates, San Francisco, CA 94108, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-415-399-1035; Fax: +1-415-399-1057
| | - Joshua Vendrow
- Department of Mathematics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (J.V.); (J.H.); (D.N.)
| | - Jamie Haddock
- Department of Mathematics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (J.V.); (J.H.); (D.N.)
| | - Deanna Needell
- Department of Mathematics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (J.V.); (J.H.); (D.N.)
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Kortela E, Kanerva M, Kurkela S, Oksi J, Järvinen A. Suspicion of Lyme borreliosis in patients referred to an infectious diseases clinic: what did the patients really have? Clin Microbiol Infect 2020; 27:1022-1028. [PMID: 32979573 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2020.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/12/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the conditions behind the symptoms in patients with suspected Lyme borreliosis (LB) who were referred to an infectious diseases clinic. METHODS In this retrospective, population-based study, we collected data from the medical records of all patients referred for infectious disease consultations in 2013 due to presumed LB from a population of 1.58 million. The patients were classified according to the certainty of LB on the basis of their symptoms, signs and laboratory results. Data on the outcomes and subsequent alternative diagnoses during the 4-year follow-up period were reviewed from all of the available patient records from public, private and occupational healthcare providers. RESULTS A total of 256 patients (16/100 000) were referred as a result of suspicion of LB; 30 (12%) of 256 were classified with definite, 36 (14%) with probable and 65 (25%) with possible LB. LB was unlikely in 121 (47%) patients. A novel diagnosis was discovered in the background symptoms in 73 (29%) of patients. Previously diagnosed comorbidities caused at least some of the symptoms in 48 (19%) patients. Other explanations for symptoms were found in 81 (67%) of 121 of unlikely and 22 (34%) of 65 of possible LB patients. The spectrum of conditions behind the symptoms was quite broad and most often were musculoskeletal, neurological, psychological or functional disorders. CONCLUSIONS LB was unlikely in half of the patients with presumed LB. In most cases the patients had other conditions that explained their symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Kortela
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Inflammation Centre, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Finland; Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Finland.
| | - Mari Kanerva
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Inflammation Centre, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Satu Kurkela
- Department of Virology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jarmo Oksi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Asko Järvinen
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Inflammation Centre, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Finland
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Rogerson AG, Lloyd VK. Lyme Disease Patient Outcomes and Experiences; A Retrospective Cohort Study. Healthcare (Basel) 2020; 8:healthcare8030322. [PMID: 32899834 PMCID: PMC7551198 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare8030322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Lyme disease is a vector-borne illness caused by Borrelia spp. bacterium spread by ticks to humans and other mammals. Despite being prevalent in many regions of the world, there remains considerable uncertainty surrounding many aspects of the disease, and consensus on the most appropriate and effective means of treating the illness remains to be achieved. Recommendations published by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) and the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS), the primary guidelines followed by health care professionals treating Lyme disease, diverge in many of their key recommendations, including treatment duration. Given this lack of consensus, surprisingly little research has been conducted on patient outcomes following different treatment approaches. In this study, patient outcomes were evaluated from a cohort of 210 Canadian Lyme disease patients seeking treatment at one US Lyme disease clinic following a treatment regimen conforming to the ILADS treatment guidelines. It was found that the majority of Lyme disease patients at the clinic responded positively to treatment and a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in symptoms was observed over time. This study, along with related studies, may help to guide physicians to provide their patients with the most effective care.
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