5-y follow-up study of patients with neuroborreliosis
| Document type: | Journal Articles |
|---|---|
| Article type: | Original article |
| Peer reviewed: | Yes |
| Author(s): | Johan Berglund, Louise Stjernberg, Katharina Ornstein, Katarina Tykesson/Joelsson, Hallstein Walter |
| Title: | 5-y follow-up study of patients with neuroborreliosis |
| Journal: | Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases |
| Year: | 2002 |
| Volume: | 34 |
| Issue: | 6 |
| Pagination: | 421-425 |
| ISSN: | 0036-5548 |
| Publisher: | Taylor & Francis |
| URI/DOI: | 10.1080/00365540110080421 |
| ISI number: | 000177058300005 |
| Organization: | Blekinge Institute of Technology |
| Department: | School of Engineering - Dept. Mathematics and Science (Sektionen för teknik – avd. för matematik och naturvetenskap) School of Engineering S- 371 79 Karlskrona +46 455 38 50 00 http://www.tek.bth.se/ |
| Authors e-mail: | louise.stjernberg@bth.se |
| Language: | English |
| Abstract: | The objective of this follow-up study was to determine the long-term outcome of strictly classified cases of neuroborreliosis treated with antibiotics. A one-year prospective population-based survey of Lyme borreliosis was conducted in southern Sweden, between 1992 and 1993. A total of 349 identified cases with suspected neuroborreliosis were followed up 5 years later. Medical records were reviewed and all participants filled in a questionnaire. Of those classified with definite neuroborreliosis 114/130 completed the follow-up, of whom 111 had completed the initial antibiotic treatment. Of the 114 patients followed up, 86 (75%) had recovered completely and 70 (61%) had recovered within 6 months. Residual neurological symptoms such as facial palsy, concentration disorder, paresthesia and/or neuropathy were reported by 28/114. No significant differences between different antibiotic treatments were observed in terms of occurrence of sequelae. To conclude, we found that 25% (95% confidence interval 17-33%) of the patients suffered from residual neurological symptoms 5 years post-treatment. However, the clinical outcome of treated neuroborreliosis is favourable as only 14/114 (12%) of the patients had sequelae that influenced their daily activity post-treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment would seem to be of great importance in order to avoid such sequelae. |
| Subject: | Public Health\General |
| Keywords: | neuroborreliosis, ticks follow-up |
