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Adler BL, Chung T, Rowe PC, Aucott J. Dysautonomia following Lyme disease: a key component of post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome? Front Neurol 2024; 15:1344862. [PMID: 38390594 PMCID: PMC10883079 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1344862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Dysautonomia, or dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), may occur following an infectious insult and can result in a variety of debilitating, widespread, and often poorly recognized symptoms. Dysautonomia is now widely accepted as a complication of COVID-19 and is an important component of Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC or long COVID). PASC shares many overlapping clinical features with other infection-associated chronic illnesses including Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS), suggesting that they may share common underlying mechanisms including autonomic dysfunction. Despite the recognition of this complication of Lyme disease in the care of patients with PTLD, there has been a scarcity of research in this field and dysautonomia has not yet been established as a complication of Lyme disease in the medical literature. In this review, we discuss the evidence implicating Borrelia burgdorferi as a cause of dysautonomia and the related symptoms, propose potential pathogenic mechanisms given our knowledge of Lyme disease and mechanisms of PASC and ME/CFS, and discuss the diagnostic evaluation and treatments of dysautonomia. We also outline gaps in the literature and priorities for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany L Adler
- Division of Rheumatology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Tae Chung
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Peter C Rowe
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - John Aucott
- Division of Rheumatology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
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BROCK MALCOLMV, BOSMANS FRANK. A MULTI-HIT MODEL OF LONG COVID PATHOPHYSIOLOGY: THE INTERACTION BETWEEN IMMUNE TRIGGERS AND NERVOUS SYSTEM SIGNALING. TRANSACTIONS OF THE AMERICAN CLINICAL AND CLIMATOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION 2024; 134:149-164. [PMID: 39135572 PMCID: PMC11316875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
Early in the pandemic, clinicians recognized an overlap between Long COVID symptoms and dysautonomia, suggesting autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction. Our clinical experience at Johns Hopkins with primary dysautonomia suggested heritability of sympathetic dysfunction, manifesting primarily as hyperhidrosis and as other dysautonomia symptoms. Whole exome sequencing revealed mutations in genes regulating electrical signaling in the nervous system, thus providing a genetic basis for the sympathetic overdrive observed. We hypothesize that dysautonomia in Long COVID requires two molecular hits: a genetic vulnerability to prime the ANS and a SARS-CoV-2 infection, as an immune trigger, to further disrupt ANS function resulting in increased sympathetic activity. Indeed, Long COVID patients show signs of chronic inflammation and autoimmunity. We have translated this two-hit concept to the clinic using ion channel inhibitors to target genetic susceptibility and immunomodulators to treat inflammation. This multi-hit hypothesis shows promise for managing Long COVID and merits further study.
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Haloot J, Bhavaraju-Sanka R, Pillarisetti J, Verduzco-Gutierrez M. Autonomic Dysfunction Related to Postacute SARS-CoV-2 Syndrome. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am 2023; 34:563-572. [PMID: 37419532 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmr.2023.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
Persistence of symptoms beyond the initial acute phase of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is termed postacute SARS-CoV-2 (PASC) and includes neurologic, autonomic, pulmonary, cardiac, psychiatric, gastrointestinal, and functional impairment. PASC autonomic dysfunction can present with dizziness, tachycardia, sweating, headache, syncope, labile blood pressure, exercise intolerance, and "brain fog." A multidisciplinary team can help manage this complex syndrome with nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Haloot
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900, USA
| | - Ratna Bhavaraju-Sanka
- Department of Neurology, UT Health San Antonio, Joe R. & Theresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, Mail Code 7883, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA.
| | - Jayasree Pillarisetti
- Janey & Dolph Briscoe Division of Cardiology, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Monica Verduzco-Gutierrez
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Joe R. & Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, UT Health at San Antonio Texas, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, Room 628E, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
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Goodman BP, Khoury JA, Blair JE, Grill MF. COVID-19 Dysautonomia. Front Neurol 2021; 12:624968. [PMID: 33927679 PMCID: PMC8076737 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.624968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: To report a case series of dysautonomia associated with COVID-19 infection. Methods: This is a retrospective review of patients evaluated in the autonomic clinic at our institution with suspected signs and symptoms of dysautonomia who underwent formal evaluation, including autonomic testing. Results: Six patients were identified with signs and symptoms suggestive of dysautonomia who underwent autonomic testing. All patients had symptoms typical of COVID-19 infection, though none were hospitalized for these or other symptoms. All patients reported symptoms of postural lightheadedness and near-syncope, fatigue, and activity intolerance. Five patients reported the onset of autonomic symptoms concomitant with other COVID-19 symptoms, with the other patient reporting symptom onset 6 weeks following initial COVID-19 symptoms. Autonomic testing demonstrated an excessive postural tachycardia in 4 patients, a hypertensive response with head-up tilt in 3 patients, orthostatic hypotension in 1 patient, and sudomotor impairment in 1 of the patients with excessive postural tachycardia. Conclusions: We present clinical features and results of autonomic testing in 6 patients with a history COVID-19 infection. While all patients reported typical features of orthostatic intolerance, fatigue, and activity intolerance, the results of autonomic testing were heterogenous, with orthostatic hypotension in 1 patient, excessive postural tachycardia typical of postural tachycardia syndrome in 4 patients, and postural hypertension in 3 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brent P Goodman
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, United States
| | - Julie A Khoury
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, United States
| | - Janis E Blair
- Infectious Disease, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, United States
| | - Marie F Grill
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, United States
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Trevisan G, Bonin S, Ruscio M. A Practical Approach to the Diagnosis of Lyme Borreliosis: From Clinical Heterogeneity to Laboratory Methods. Front Med (Lausanne) 2020; 7:265. [PMID: 32793606 PMCID: PMC7390863 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2020.00265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical evaluation of Lyme Borreliosis (LB) is the starting point for its diagnosis. The patient's medical history and clinical symptoms are fundamental for disease recognition. The heterogeneity in clinical manifestations of LB can be related to different causes, including the different strains of Borrelia, possible co-infection with other tick transmitted pathogens, and its interactions with the human host. This review aims at describing the heterogeneous symptoms of Lyme Borreliosis, as well as offering a practical approach for recognition of the disease, both in terms of clinical features and diagnostic/research tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giusto Trevisan
- DSM-Department of Medical Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Serena Bonin
- DSM-Department of Medical Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Maurizio Ruscio
- ASU GI-Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina, Trieste, Italy
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Rebman AW, Aucott JN. Post-treatment Lyme Disease as a Model for Persistent Symptoms in Lyme Disease. Front Med (Lausanne) 2020; 7:57. [PMID: 32161761 PMCID: PMC7052487 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2020.00057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
It has long been observed in clinical practice that a subset of patients with Lyme disease report a constellation of symptoms such as fatigue, cognitive difficulties, and musculoskeletal pain, which may last for a significant period of time. These symptoms, which can range from mild to severe, have been reported throughout the literature in both prospective and population-based studies in Lyme disease endemic regions. The etiology of these symptoms is unknown, however several illness-causing mechanisms have been hypothesized, including microbial persistence, host immune dysregulation through inflammatory or secondary autoimmune pathways, or altered neural networks, as in central sensitization. Evaluation and characterization of persistent symptoms in Lyme disease is complicated by potential independent, repeat exposures to B. burgdorferi, as well as the potential for co-morbid diseases with overlapping symptom profiles. Antibody testing for B. burgdorferi is an insensitive measure after treatment, and no other FDA-approved tests currently exist. As such, diagnosis presents a complex challenge for physicians, while the lived experience for patients is one marked by uncertainty and often illness invalidation. Currently, there are no FDA-approved pharmaceutical therapies, and the safety and efficacy of off-label and/or complementary therapies have not been well studied and are not agreed-upon within the medical community. Post-treatment Lyme disease represents a narrow, defined, mechanistically-neutral subset of this larger, more heterogeneous group of patients, and is a useful definition in research settings as an initial subgroup of study. The aim of this paper is to review the current literature on the diagnosis, etiology, risk factors, and treatment of patients with persistent symptoms in the context of Lyme disease. The meaning and relevance of existing patient subgroups will be discussed, as will future research priorities, including the need to develop illness biomarkers, elucidate the biologic mechanisms of disease, and drive improvements in therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison W Rebman
- Lyme Disease Research Center, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - John N Aucott
- Lyme Disease Research Center, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Weinstock LB, Kaleem Z, Selby D, Afrin LB. Mast cell deposition and activation may be a new explanation for epiploic appendagitis. BMJ Case Rep 2018; 2018:bcr-2018-224689. [PMID: 30249726 PMCID: PMC6157556 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2018-224689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Epiploic appendagitis is as an acute painful condition of the fat on the outside of the intestine. Thus far, there have been no publications to our knowledge that appendagitis can be caused by mast cells or can be associated with chronic pain. A patient with multisystemic disorders suffered with both chronic and acute attacks of abdominal pain for a year. The worst attack led to surgical resection of an enlarged sigmoid colon epiploic appendage. Careful review of her complex medical history and mast cell stains of gastrointestinal biopsies led to the diagnosis of mast cell activation syndrome. Re-examination of the resected appendage using an immunohistochemical stain demonstrated a high mast cell density which is a new histopathological finding. Treatment of mast cell activation syndrome and other related syndromes led to marked improvement in her health, including all types of chronic abdominal pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonard B Weinstock
- Gastroenterology, GI, Washington University, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA.,Department of Medicine, Washington University, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Zahid Kaleem
- Gastroenterology, GI, Washington University, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Dale Selby
- Department of Pathology, Missouri Baptist Medical Center, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Lawrence B Afrin
- Internal Medicine, Armonk Integrative Medicine, Armonk, New York, USA
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Stiles LE, Cinnamon J, Balan I. The patient perspective: What postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome patients want physicians to know. Auton Neurosci 2018; 215:121-125. [PMID: 29903594 DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2018.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2018] [Revised: 06/05/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Diagnosing and treating postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) can be a frustrating experience for patients and physicians alike. Experienced patient leaders solicited input from the large online POTS community to identify patient suggestions and concerns, with the goal of improving the patient-physician relationship and outcomes in POTS. This review article offers practical tips to improve POTS patient care and links to credible resources for your patients. The authors emphasize the urgent need for improved physician education, a tailored treatment approach, and expanded research efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Irina Balan
- Dysautonomia International, East Moriches, New York, USA
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Carod-Artal FJ. Infectious diseases causing autonomic dysfunction. Clin Auton Res 2017; 28:67-81. [PMID: 28730326 DOI: 10.1007/s10286-017-0452-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To review infectious diseases that may cause autonomic dysfunction. METHODS Review of published papers indexed in medline/embase. RESULTS Autonomic dysfunction has been reported in retrovirus (human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), human T-lymphotropic virus), herpes viruses, flavivirus, enterovirus 71 and lyssavirus infections. Autonomic dysfunction is relatively common in HIV-infected patients and heart rate variability is reduced even in early stages of infection. Orthostatic hypotension, urinary dysfunction and hypohidrosis have been described in tropical spastic paraparesis patients. Varicella zoster reactivation from autonomic ganglia may be involved in visceral disease and chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction. Autonomic and peripheral nervous system dysfunction may happen in acute tick-borne encephalitis virus infections. Hydrophobia, hypersalivation, dyspnea, photophobia, and piloerection are frequently observed in human rabies. Autonomic dysfunction and vagal denervation is common in Chagas disease. Neuronal depopulation occurs mainly in chagasic heart disease and myenteric plexus, and megacolon, megaesophagus and cardiomyopathy are common complications in the chronic stage of Chagas disease. Parasympathetic autonomic dysfunction precedes left ventricle systolic dysfunction in Chagas disease. A high prevalence of subclinical autonomic neuropathy in leprosy patients has been reported, and autonomic nerve dysfunction may be an early manifestation of the disease. Autonomic dysfunction features in leprosy include anhidrosis, impaired sweating function, localised alopecia ,and reduced heart rate variability. Urinary retention and intestinal pseudo-obstruction have been described in Lyme disease. Diphtheritic polyneuropathy, tetanus and botulism are examples of bacterial infections releasing toxins that affect the autonomic nervous system. CONCLUSIONS Autonomic dysfunction may be responsible for additional morbidity in some infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Javier Carod-Artal
- Neurology Department, Raigmore Hospital, Inverness, UK. .,Health Sciences Faculty, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC), Barcelona, Spain.
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Mayne PJ. Clinical determinants of Lyme borreliosis, babesiosis, bartonellosis, anaplasmosis, and ehrlichiosis in an Australian cohort. Int J Gen Med 2014; 8:15-26. [PMID: 25565883 PMCID: PMC4278782 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s75825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Borrelia burgdorferi is the causative agent of Lyme borreliosis. This spirochete, along with Babesia, Bartonella, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, and the Rickettsia spp. are recognized tick-borne pathogens. In this study, the clinical manifestation of these zoonoses in Australia is described. Methods The clinical presentation of 500 patients over the course of 5 years was examined. Evidence of multisystem disease and cranial nerve neuropathy was sought. Supportive laboratory evidence of infection was examined. Results Patients from every state of Australia presented with a wide range of symptoms of disease covering multiple systems and a large range of time intervals from onset. Among these patients, 296 (59%) were considered to have a clinical diagnosis of Lyme borreliosis and 273 (54% of the 500) tested positive for the disease, the latter not being a subset of the former. In total, 450 (90%) had either clinical evidence for or laboratory proof of borrelial infection, and the great majority of cases featured neurological symptoms involving the cranial nerves, thus mimicking features of the disease found in Europe and Asia, as distinct from North America (where extracutaneous disease is principally an oligoarticular arthritis). Only 83 patients (17%; number [n]=492) reported never leaving Australia. Of the 500 patients, 317 (63%) had clinical or laboratory-supported evidence of coinfection with Babesia or Bartonella spp. Infection with A. phagocytophilum was detected in three individuals, and Ehrlichia chaffeensis was detected in one individual who had never traveled outside Australia. In the cohort, 30 (11%; n=279) had positive rickettsial serology. Conclusion The study suggests that there is a considerable presence of borreliosis in Australia, and a highly significant burden of coinfections accompanying borreliosis transmission. The concept sometimes advanced of a “Lyme-like illness” on the continent needs to be re-examined as the clinical interplay between all these infections. Evidence is presented for the first report of endemic anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis on the continent.
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Borgermans L, Goderis G, Vandevoorde J, Devroey D. Relevance of chronic lyme disease to family medicine as a complex multidimensional chronic disease construct: a systematic review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FAMILY MEDICINE 2014; 2014:138016. [PMID: 25506429 PMCID: PMC4258916 DOI: 10.1155/2014/138016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2014] [Accepted: 11/12/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Lyme disease has become a global public health problem and a prototype of an emerging infection. Both treatment-refractory infection and symptoms that are related to Borrelia burgdorferi infection remain subject to controversy. Because of the absence of solid evidence on prevalence, causes, diagnostic criteria, tools and treatment options, the role of autoimmunity to residual or persisting antigens, and the role of a toxin or other bacterial-associated products that are responsible for the symptoms and signs, chronic Lyme disease (CLD) remains a relatively poorly understood chronic disease construct. The role and performance of family medicine in the detection, integrative treatment, and follow-up of CLD are not well studied either. The purpose of this paper is to describe insights into the complexity of CLD as a multidimensional chronic disease construct and its relevance to family medicine by means of a systematic literature review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liesbeth Borgermans
- Department of Family Medicine & Chronic Care, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Geert Goderis
- Department of General Practice and University Hospitals Leuven, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KUL), Kapucijnenvoer 33, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jan Vandevoorde
- Department of Family Medicine & Chronic Care, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Dirk Devroey
- Department of Family Medicine & Chronic Care, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
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