Abstract

Lyme disease (LD) is the most commonly reported vector-borne disease, but its clinical consequences remain uncertain. We conducted a systematic review of the long-term sequelae and health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) associated with LD in North America and Europe. We performed searches in six electronic databases up to December 2018 following PRISMA guidelines, including observational studies reporting long-term sequelae, HRQoL, and prognostic factors. We included 46 studies, published between 1994 and 2019.Based on 21 studies reporting attributable outcomes, higher proportions of sequelae reported from exposed patients were: neck pain, myalgia, arthralgia, paresthesia, sleep disorder, poor appetite and concentration difficulties. Patients with PTLDS reported impaired HRQoL compared to the general US population. Included studies were highly heterogeneous in terms of study design, settings, patient characteristics and quality.

Patients with LD are more likely to report non-specific long-term sequelae, especially those experiencing persistent symptoms post-treatment. Opportunities exist for prospective longitudinal studies to better understand LD outcomes.

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For a great read on this PTLDS issue:  https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2019/02/25/medical-stalemate-what-causes-continuing-symptoms-after-lyme-treatment/

Excerpt:

10-20% of Lyme disease patients who are promptly diagnosed and treated with an antibiotic within the first few weeks of infection, still end up with chronic disease. This is PTLDS.

30-40% of Lyme disease patients who have been infected for weeks to months before getting diagnosed, and THEN treated with an antibiotic, still end up with a chronic disease. This subgroup has no specific label but it has been referred to as “chronic Lyme disease,” or CLD.

60% OF LYME PATIENTS END UP WITH CHRONIC SYMPTOMS

Combining these two subgroups implies that up to 60% of people with Lyme disease will experience chronic illness as a result of this tick-borne disease.

Notice that authorities have only been including those diagnosed and treated early in their PTLDS group.  They have NOT be counting those diagnosed and treated late – which is far more common and constitutes nearly every patient I work with including myself and my husband.