NYMC Faculty Publications
Treatment Trials for Post-Lyme Disease Symptoms Revisited
Author Type(s)
Faculty
DOI
10.1016/j.amjmed.2013.02.014
Journal Title
The American Journal of Medicine
First Page
665
Last Page
669
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
8-1-2013
Department
Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology
Second Department
Pharmacology
Abstract
The authors of 4 National Institutes of Health-sponsored antibiotic treatment trials of patients with persistent unexplained symptoms despite previous antibiotic treatment of Lyme disease determined that retreatment provides little if any benefit and carries significant risk. Two groups recently provided an independent reassessment of these trials and concluded that prolonged courses of antibiotics are likely to be helpful. We have carefully considered the points raised by these groups, along with our own critical review of the treatment trials. On the basis of this analysis, the conclusion that there is a meaningful clinical benefit to be gained from retreatment of such patients with parenteral antibiotic therapy cannot be justified.
Recommended Citation
Klempner, M., Baker, P., Shapiro, E., Marques, A., Dattwyler, R. J., Halperin, J., & Wormser, G. (2013). Treatment Trials for Post-Lyme Disease Symptoms Revisited. The American Journal of Medicine, 126 (8), 665-669. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjmed.2013.02.014
