Lyme Project: Demonstrates Need for More Dialogue on Chronic Lyme Disease

Demonstrates Need for More Dialogue on Chronic Lyme Disease
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American Journal of Medicine Article on 30 July, 2008 10:15:00
 
Bethesda, MD  – Members of the International Lyme and Associated Diseases
Society  (ILADS) highlight a newly published article entitled Perspectives on
Chronic Lyme Disease, as yet  another example of the need for more dialogue
between physicians, researchers and other health  professionals regarding the
existence and diagnosis of chronic Lyme disease. The American Journal of 
Medicine article ignores ILADS’s concerns regarding the serious health
problems faced by chronic  Lyme disease patients.
The opinion piece, authored by Philip J. Baker, cites research studies
considered inconclusive by a  number of health care professionals.  The findings
are based on a small number of subjects relative  to the growing number of Lyme
disease cases reported annually.  Baker’s conclusions are based on  trials of
fewer than 225 patients.  Yet the CDC reported 20,000 new cases of Lyme disease
in 2007;  the actual number of people diagnosed with Lyme disease is estimated
at 10 times this number.
ILADS has consistently challenged the peer review literature that fails to
consider the severity of  chronic Lyme disease.  The Lyme disease patients
enrolled in the two NIH sponsored trials  mentioned in the article were ill an
average of 4.7 years with a quality of life worse than patients  with recent
heart attacks and diabetes.
ILADS stresses the need for more comprehensive trials to examine the numerous
innovative  antibiotic options that have been used successfully in actual
practice.
ILADS believes the medical community must come together to address the needs of
patients who are  suffering from the debilitating effects of chronic Lyme
disease.  Only by airing different points of  view will the medical and
scientific community reach a better understanding of controversial topics  such
as chronic Lyme disease.
“What we have here is a failure to communicate,” noted Cameron.  “We must
work together to find  answers for Lyme patients who remain severely ill.”
For more information contact Pam Kahl. pam.kahl@verbal800.com
503.284.1534http://www.ilads.org/files/2008/press_AJM_statement.pdf