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Tetens MM, Omland LH, Dessau RB, Ellermann-Eriksen S, Andersen NS, Jørgensen CS, Østergaard C, Bodilsen J, Søgaard KK, Bangsborg J, Nielsen ACY, Møller JK, Chen M, Svendsen JH, Obel N, Lebech AM. Risk of heart failure among individuals tested for Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato antibodies, and serum Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato seropositive individuals; a nationwide population-based, registry-based matched cohort study. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2024; 15:102345. [PMID: 38636178 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2024.102345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lyme borreliosis is a tick-borne disease caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb) sensu lato complex. Previous studies have suggested an association between Lyme borreliosis and heart failure, which have been suggested to be a possible manifestation of Lyme carditis. We aimed to investigate the risk of heart failure among individuals tested for serum Bb antibodies, and serum Bb seropositive individuals. METHODS We performed a matched nationwide cohort study (Denmark, 1993-2020) and included 52,200 Bb seropositive individuals, and two age- and sex-matched comparison cohorts: 1) 104,400 Bb seronegative comparison cohort members, and 2) 261,000 population controls. We investigated the risk associated with 1) being tested for serum Bb antibodies, and 2) being Bb seropositive. Outcomes were: 1) a composite of heart failure, cardiomyopathy, and/or myocarditis diagnosis, and 2) redemption of cardiovascular medicine used for treatment of heart failure. We calculated short-term odds ratios (aOR) (within 1 month) and long-term hazard rates (aHR) (after 1 month) adjusted for age, sex, diabetes, pre-existing heart failure, and kidney disease. RESULTS Compared with the population controls, individuals tested for Bb antibodies, regardless of the test result, had increased short-term risk of heart failure, cardiomyopathy, and myocarditis (aOR 8.3, 95 %CI: 6.7-10.2), and both increased short- and long-term risk of redemption of cardiovascular medicine (aOR 4.3, 95 %CI: 3.8-4.8, aHR 1.13, 95 % CI: 1.11-1.15). The Bb seropositive individuals had no increased short- or long-term risk of any outcome compared with Bb seronegative comparison cohort members. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, Bb antibody tests seemed to be performed in the diagnostic work-up of heart failure, but Bb seropositivity was not associated with heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malte M Tetens
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Lars Haukali Omland
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ram B Dessau
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Zealand Hospital, Slagelse, Denmark; Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | | | - Nanna S Andersen
- Clinical Centre for Emerging and Vector-borne Infections, Department of Clinical Microbiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark; Research Unit of Clinical Microbiology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | | | - Christian Østergaard
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Hvidovre Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jacob Bodilsen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Kirstine K Søgaard
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark; Department of Clinical Microbiology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark; Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jette Bangsborg
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Herlev Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Alex Christian Yde Nielsen
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jens Kjølseth Møller
- Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; Department of Clinical Microbiology, Vejle Hospital, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Vejle, Denmark
| | - Ming Chen
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Sønderborg Hospital, Sønderborg, Denmark
| | - Jesper Hastrup Svendsen
- Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Niels Obel
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anne-Mette Lebech
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Tetens MM, Omland LH, Dessau RB, Ellermann-Eriksen S, Andersen NS, Jørgensen CS, Østergaard C, Bodilsen J, Søgaard KK, Bangsborg J, Nielsen AC, Møller JK, Chen M, Svendsen JH, Obel N, Lebech AM. Risk of cardiac conduction disorders, and pacemaker implantations among individuals tested for serum Borrelia burgdorferi antibodies, a nationwide, matched, population-based cohort study. Clin Microbiol Infect 2024; 30:621-629. [PMID: 38316360 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2024.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the short- and long-term risks of atrioventricular block and other cardiac conduction disorders associated with being tested for Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb) antibodies or Bb seropositivity as measures of confounding by indication and Bb infection, respectively. METHODS We performed a nationwide population-based matched cohort study (Denmark, 1993-2021). We included 52 200 Bb-seropositive individuals (stratified as only Bb-IgM-seropositive [n = 26 103], only Bb-IgG-seropositive [n = 18 698], and Bb-IgM-and-IgG-seropositive [n = 7399]) and two age- and sex-matched comparison cohorts: 104 400 Bb-seronegative individuals and 261 000 population controls. We investigated the risk associated with being tested for serum Bb antibodies and being Bb seropositive. Outcomes were atrioventricular block and other conduction disorders. We calculated short-term odds ratios (aOR) (within 1 month), and long-term hazard ratios (aHR) (after 1 month) adjusted for age, sex, diabetes, chronic heart failure, and kidney disease with 95% CI. RESULTS Compared with population controls, individuals tested for Bb antibodies had increased short- and long-term risks of atrioventricular block (aOR 47.9, 95% CI: 30.0-76.7, aHR 1.3, 95% CI:1.2-1.3), and other conduction disorders (aOR 18.2, 95% CI: 10.1-32.8, aHR 1.2, 95% CI: 1.1-1.4). Compared with Bb-seronegative individuals, only Bb-IgM-and-IgG-seropositive individuals had increased short-term risk of atrioventricular block (aOR: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.5-3.1). DISCUSSION The results suggest that Bb antibody testing is included in the diagnostic work-up of conduction disorders. Finally, that Bb seropositivity is not associated with other conduction disorders than atrioventricular block or with increased long-term risk of conduction disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malte M Tetens
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Lars Haukali Omland
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ram B Dessau
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Zealand University Hospital, Slagelse, Denmark; Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | | | - Nanna S Andersen
- Clinical Centre for Emerging and Vector-borne Infections, Department of Clinical Microbiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark; Research Unit of Clinical Microbiology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | | | - Christian Østergaard
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Hvidovre Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jacob Bodilsen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Kirstine K Søgaard
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark; Department of Clinical Microbiology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark; Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jette Bangsborg
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Herlev Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Alex Christian Nielsen
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jens Kjølseth Møller
- Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; Department of Clinical Microbiology, Vejle Hospital, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Vejle, Denmark
| | - Ming Chen
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Sønderborg Hospital, Sønderborg, Denmark
| | - Jesper Hastrup Svendsen
- Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Niels Obel
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anne-Mette Lebech
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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3
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Wu M, Mirkin S, McPhail MN, Wajeeh H, Nagy S, Florent-Carre M, Blavo C, Demory Beckler M, Amini K, Kesselman MM. A Comprehensive Review of Lyme Disease: A Focus on Cardiovascular Manifestations. Cureus 2024; 16:e60821. [PMID: 38910626 PMCID: PMC11190629 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.60821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness known for its ability to cause multi-systemic manifestations. It can affect several different systems, including neurological, musculoskeletal, and dermatological systems. However, one of the most concerning biological systems affected is the cardiac system. Lyme carditis typically presents with varying degrees of atrioventricular (AV) block. Additionally, current literature also endorses atypical manifestations, including but not limited to atrial fibrillation and bundle branch blocks. These atypical manifestations are important as they can be the first presenting symptoms in patients with Lyme disease. Therefore, educating clinicians on various signs, symptoms, and manifestations of Lyme carditis remains paramount in reducing morbidity and mortality. We conducted a literature review using PubMed, MEDLINE, and CINAHL, collecting a total of 13 articles to gather information on atypical manifestations of Lyme carditis. This literature review serves to summarize the current research and studies describing these cardiac manifestations and the cardiac pathophysiology associated with Lyme disease. These findings aim to contribute to the expanding understanding of Lyme carditis, subsequently preventing long-term effects through prompt diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Wu
- Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, USA
| | - Sophia Mirkin
- Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, USA
| | - Marissa N McPhail
- Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, USA
| | - Hassaan Wajeeh
- Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, USA
| | - Stephanie Nagy
- Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Plantation, USA
| | - Marie Florent-Carre
- Public Health, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, USA
| | - Cyril Blavo
- Public Health, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Clearwater, USA
| | - Michelle Demory Beckler
- Microbiology and Immunology, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, USA
| | - Kayvan Amini
- Cardiology, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, USA
| | - Marc M Kesselman
- Rheumatology, Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, USA
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Javed N, Sklyar E, Bella JN. Associations of Atrioventricular Blocks and Other Arrhythmias in Patients with Lyme Carditis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2024; 11:131. [PMID: 38786953 PMCID: PMC11121903 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd11050131] [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: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Lyme disease often leads to cardiac injury and electrophysiological abnormalities. This study aimed to explore links between atrioventricular blocks and additional arrhythmias in Lyme carditis patients. This systematic review and meta-analysis of existing literature was performed from 1990 to 2023, and aimed to identify cases of Lyme carditis through serology or clinical diagnosis with concomitant arrhythmias. Pubmed and Web of Science were searched using appropriate MESH terms. Patients were divided into groups with atrioventricular blocks and other arrhythmias for cardiovascular (CV) outcome assessment. A total of 110 cases were analyzed. The majority (77.3%) were male, with mean age = 39.65 ± 14.80 years. Most patients presented within one week of symptom onset (30.9%). Men were more likely to have first-degree atrioventricular blocks (OR = 1.36 [95% CI 1.12-3.96], p = 0.01); these blocks tended to be reversible in nature (OR = 1.51 [95% CI 1.39-3.92], p = 0.01). Men exhibited a higher likelihood of experiencing variable arrhythmias (OR = 1.31 [95% CI 1.08-2.16], p < 0.001). Ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmias were more likely to exhibit instability (OR = 0.96 [95% CI 0.81-1.16] p = 0.01) and variability (OR = 1.99 [95% CI 0.47-8.31], p < 0.001). Men with Lyme carditis are likely to present with various atrioventricular blocks. These atrioventricular blocks are benign, and follow a predictable and stable clinical course. Further large-scale studies are warranted to confirm these associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nismat Javed
- BronxCare Health System, Bronx, NY 10457, USA; (N.J.); (E.S.)
| | - Eduard Sklyar
- BronxCare Health System, Bronx, NY 10457, USA; (N.J.); (E.S.)
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Jonathan N. Bella
- BronxCare Health System, Bronx, NY 10457, USA; (N.J.); (E.S.)
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
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Avellan S, Mehlig K, Robertson J, Bremell D. Incidence of Lyme Carditis and Lyme Carditis as a Cause of Pacemaker Implantation: A Nationwide Registry-Based Case-Control Study. Open Forum Infect Dis 2024; 11:ofad656. [PMID: 38379563 PMCID: PMC10878053 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofad656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Lyme borreliosis (LB) of the heart is called Lyme carditis (LC), which often manifests with high-grade atrioventricular block (AVB) requiring pacemaker implantation. LC is treated with antibiotics, and most patients recover fully after treatment. The overall incidence of LC, and of LC as a cause of pacemaker implantation, has not previously been systematically studied. Methods This was a case-control study based on data from Swedish national registers. The study was divided into two parts; part 1 including all patients diagnosed with AVB between 2001 and 2018, and part 2 including all patients who had received a pacemaker due to AVB between 2010 and 2018. Patients diagnosed with LB 90 days before and 180 days after the AVB diagnosis were identified among the patients and compared to matched control groups generated from the general population. Results Of 81 063 patients with AVB, 102 were diagnosed with LB. In the control group, 27 were diagnosed with LB. The yearly incidence of LC was 0.056 per 100 000 adults and year. Of 25 241 patients who had received a pacemaker for AVB, 31 were diagnosed with LB. In the control group, 8 were diagnosed with LB. The yearly incidence of LC as a cause of pacemaker implantation was 0.033 per 100 000 adults and year. The estimated risk for patients with LC to receive a permanent pacemaker was 59%. Conclusions LC is a rare cause of AVB. Nevertheless, more than half of patients with LC receive a permanent pacemaker for a condition that is easily cured with antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanna Avellan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Kirsten Mehlig
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Josefina Robertson
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Daniel Bremell
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Wang NC. Lyme carditis and accelerated junctional rhythm with intermittent left bundle branch block and paroxysmal atrioventricular block. HeartRhythm Case Rep 2024; 10:86-91. [PMID: 38264114 PMCID: PMC10801134 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrcr.2023.10.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Norman C. Wang
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Messner CR, Amara RS. Successful permanent pacemaker explantation after diagnosis and treatment of Lyme carditis complete heart block: a case report. Eur Heart J Case Rep 2023; 7:ytad576. [PMID: 38444881 PMCID: PMC10914342 DOI: 10.1093/ehjcr/ytad576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Background Lyme carditis (LC) complete heart block (CHB) is typically treated with i.v. antibiotics without requiring permanent pacing. In patients with high degree atrioventricular (AV) block, suspicious index in Lyme carditis (SILC) scoring is highly sensitive for diagnosing LC. Case summary We present a case of CHB where a permanent pacemaker (PPM) was implanted prior to LC diagnosis. Suspicious index in Lyme carditis score was 2 at the time of exam, indicating a low risk for LC. However, per further discussion at follow-up, his score was retroactively increased to an intermediate risk of 4 and Lyme titres returned positive. An outpatient oral antibiotic regimen was given, and 2 months later, the patient had <0.1% V-pacing on interrogation with a subsequent unremarkable event monitor. The pacemaker was removed after considerations ensuring full conduction recovery. The patient is doing well at follow-up > 1 year. Discussion Lyme carditis spontaneous resolution of CHB is common. Once safe extraction parameters have been established, it is appropriate to engage patients without ongoing pacer requirements about explantation of their PPM. For CHB patients without clear aetiology, SILC scoring may be a predictive measure to help prevent unnecessary PPM placement in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Richard S Amara
- Department of Cardiology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Avner BS. Descriptive Data on Trends Among Patients Hospitalized With Lyme Disease in Southwest Michigan, 2017-2021. Open Forum Infect Dis 2022; 10:ofac658. [PMID: 36726545 PMCID: PMC9879706 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofac658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This retrospective chart review identifies hospitalizations for Lyme disease at two southwest Michigan hospital systems, 2017-2021. Lyme admissions increased sharply, while admissions for Lyme carditis and neuroborreliosis increased in parallel. Southwest Michigan is becoming an endemic area for Lyme disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin S Avner
- Correspondence: Benjamin S. Avner, MD, PhD, Division of Infectious Diseases, WMed Health, 1000 Oakland Dr., Kalamazoo, MI 49008, USA ()
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Kaczmarek KA, Szwabe K, Urbanek I, Ptaszynski P, Strzelecki A, Wranicz JK, Cygankiewicz I. Prevalence of Lyme Carditis in Patients with Atrioventricular Blocks. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14893. [PMID: 36429615 PMCID: PMC9690537 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192214893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Infections with Borrelia may cause cardiac conduction system abnormalities, including atrioventricular blocks (AVBs). Therefore, we aimed to identify patients in whom Lyme carditis (LC) could be considered as the initial diagnosis among consecutive subjects who were referred for implantation of a permanent pacemaker due to symptomatic AVBs. To date, such a systematic evaluation has not been reported yet. Validation of the Suspicious Index for Lyme Carditis (SILC) in our study population was considered as an additional goal. We investigated consecutive patients with AVB admitted to our department for a pacemaker implantation. Serological diagnostic tests against Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (Bbsl) were performed in those with no obvious cardiac causes of AVB. The final study population consisted of 130 patients (80 M, mean age 67.4 ± 17.6). Lyme carditis was assumed as the initial diagnosis in 16 patients (12%) based on ABV and IgM Bbsl seropositivity. The patients with LC were younger and more frequently manifested constitutional symptoms of infection and fluctuating AVB. The highest prognostic value for identification of LC patients was obtained for the modified SILC, which included the following parameters: (1) age lower than 75 years; (2) risky outdoor activity and living in the countryside; (3) tick bite; (4) constitutional symptoms of Lyme disease; (5) erythema migrans; (6) male sex and (7) fluctuating atrioventricular block. We concluded that diagnostics for LC should be routinely considered in patients with advanced AVB. Modified SILC may identify the patients at risk of LC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof A. Kaczmarek
- Department of Electrocardiology, Central University Hospital, Medical University of Lodz, 90-647 Lodz, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Szwabe
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostics and Clinical Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, 90-647 Lodz, Poland
| | - Irmina Urbanek
- Department of Electrocardiology, Central University Hospital, Medical University of Lodz, 90-647 Lodz, Poland
| | - Pawel Ptaszynski
- Department of Electrocardiology, Central University Hospital, Medical University of Lodz, 90-647 Lodz, Poland
| | - Aleksander Strzelecki
- Department of Electrocardiology, Central University Hospital, Medical University of Lodz, 90-647 Lodz, Poland
| | - Jerzy K. Wranicz
- Department of Electrocardiology, Central University Hospital, Medical University of Lodz, 90-647 Lodz, Poland
| | - Iwona Cygankiewicz
- Department of Electrocardiology, Central University Hospital, Medical University of Lodz, 90-647 Lodz, Poland
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Abstract
Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne illness in North America and Europe. The etiologic agent, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, is transmitted to humans by certain species of Ixodes ticks, which are found widely in temperate regions of the Northern hemisphere. Clinical features are diverse but death is rare. The risk of human infection is determined by the distribution and abundance of vector ticks, ecologic factors influencing tick infection rates, and human behaviors that promote tick bite. Rates of infection are highest among children aged 5 to 15 years and adults aged more than 50 years. In the northeastern United States where disease is most common, exposure occurs primarily in areas immediately around the home. Knowledge of disease epidemiology is important for patient management and proper diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Mead
- Bacterial Diseases Branch, Division of Vector-borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 3156 Rampart Road, Ft Collins, CO 80521, USA.
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