Date of Award

5-2019

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS)

Department

Physician Assistant Studies

First Advisor

Russ Kauffman

Second Advisor

Riann Collar

Keywords

Lyme disease, PTLDS, chronic Lyme disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, and treatment outcomes

Abstract

With the high incidence of Lyme disease in the endemic areas of North America, it is important to appropriately diagnosis and treat this condition to prevent post treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS). Background information regarding Lyme disease is given. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the treatment options available for those patients that fit the case definition of PTLDS. A literature review was conducted using several different electronic databases finding peer reviewed research articles pertaining to the treatment options available for PTLDS. Extended antibiotic use is shown to be not beneficial in most cases. Alternative treatment options listed on the internet are shown to be not evidence based. Therefore, symptomatic treatment options seem to be the best positive outcome-based option available for providers to use. These options are discussed in detail throughout this paper. Though much more research is needed regarding the topic, this paper will give providers the information currently available that they will need to know when treating patients with PTLDS. Hopefully this will provide the patients with PTLDS the best outcome possible for improving their quality of life post Lyme disease.

Share

COinS