infectious diseases
Lyme Disease
Treatment of Lyme Disease
Multiple alternatives that vary with stage of disease but typically includeamoxicillin,doxycycline, andceftriaxone Most features of Lyme disease respond to antibiotics, but treatment of early disease is most successful. In late-stage disease, antibiotics eradicate the bacteria, relieving the arthritis in most people. However, a few genetically predisposed people have persistent arthritis even after the infection has been eliminated because of continued inflammation. Table see Table: Guidelines for Antibiotic Treatment of Lyme Disease in Adults* shows adult treatment regimens for various manifestations of Lyme disease. Treatment in children is similar except that For symptomatic relief, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be used. Complete heart block may require a temporary pacemaker. Tense knee joints due to effusions require aspiration. Some genetically predisposed patients with arthritis of the knee that persists despite antibiotic therapy may respond to arthroscopic synovectomy. 