Persisting Lyme Disease in the Pediatric Population

A total of 101 patients with a clinical picture of persisting Lyme disease seen at the University of Connecticut Health Center and Boston Medical Center were recruited for the study to determine whether persistent infection is the likely cause. Brain SPECT imaging and responses to antibiotic treatments were recorded. Patients had more than 5 symptoms lasting more than 6 months. A history of tick bite and/or rash was present in 40%. Western blots were more sensitive than enzyme immunoassays screening tests. Brain SPECT scans were abnormal in 65% of patients. Treatment with specific antibiotics over time resolved the illness in most children. A clinical diagnosis can be made based on the combination of certain persisting symptoms, and serologic and nuclear medicine studies support the clinical diagnosis. Treatment with specific antibiotics over a number of months is helpful as a diagnostic test and lead to resolution of symptoms in most patients.