Correlates of perceived health-related quality of life in post-treatment Lyme encephalopathy

Abstract

Background: Marked functional impairment has been reported by patients with post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS).

Objective: We sought to identify the clinical features that contribute most strongly to the impaired health status associated with PTLDS.

Methods: Enrolled patients had a well-documented history of Lyme disease, prior treatment with at least 3 weeks with intravenous ceftriaxone, a positive IgG Western blot, and objective problems with memory. An index score to capture aggregate cognitive functioning, Short-Form 36 physical and mental component summary scores, and scores on other clinical and demographic measures were examined. Multiple linear regressions were performed to determine significant predictors of perceptions of impaired life functioning as delineated by the Short-Form 36.

Results: Fatigue was the most important contributor to perceived impairments in overall physical functioning, and fatigue and depression significantly predicted perceived impairments in overall mental functioning.

Conclusions: Because fatigue and depression contribute prominently to reports of impaired physical functioning and mental functioning among patients with PTLDS, clinicians should assess patients for these symptoms and consider targeting these symptoms in the selection of treatment interventions. Future controlled studies should examine the effectiveness of such agents for patients with PTLDS.