Chronic Lyme disease: a review.

Abstract

Studies have shown that most patients diagnosed with chronic Lyme disease either have no objective evidence of previous or current infection with Borrelia burgdorferi or are patients who should be classified as having post-Lyme disease syndrome, which is defined as continuing or relapsing nonspecific symptoms (such as fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, and cognitive complaints) in a patient previously treated for Lyme disease. Despite extensive study, there is currently no clear evidence that post-Lyme disease syndrome is caused by persistent infection with B burgdorferi. Four randomized placebo-controlled studies have shown that antibiotic therapy offers no sustained benefit to patients who have post-Lyme disease syndrome. These studies also showed a substantial placebo effect and a significant risk of treatment-related adverse events. Further research to elucidate the mechanisms underlying persistent symptoms after Lyme disease and controlled trials of new approaches to the treatment and management of these patients are needed.

• Authors: Adriana Marques
• Journal: Infectious disease clinics of North America (Infect Dis Clin North Am) Vol. 22 Issue 2 Pg. 341-60, vii-viii (Jun 2008) ISSN: 0891-5520 [Print] United States
• PMID: 18452806 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural, Review)

Chemical References

• Anti-Bacterial Agents

Topics

• Anti-Bacterial Agents (therapeutic use)
• Chronic Disease
• Humans
• Lyme Disease (diagnosis, drug therapy)
• Syndrome