Clinical characteristics of patients with lyme arthritis diagnosed in children from Ternopil region

Objectives: The article deals with clinical picture of Lyme arthritis (LA) and clinical features distinguishing this form of arthritis from other forms. The description of the characteristic features of arthritis based on laboratory and instrumental examinations of children was presented in the article. The clinical manifestation of LA is very changeable what makes diagnosis difficult to define. The aim of our study was to prove that LA should be treated with antibiotic therapy. Material and Methods: The authors present two cases of arthritis in children on the background of the tick bite, and systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA). Lyme arthritis (LA) was found in 7.0% of 200 examined children. Сase study presentation as a basis for discussion, a literature search of MEDLINE and Scopus database. A review of the examination of biomarkers among patients with LA and Rheumatoid arthritis according to MEDLINE via OVID, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases was conducted systematically and 21 examinations were taken for qualitative analysis. Results: Clinical characteristics was defined by an increase in body temperature, persistent monoarthritis and synovitis. Serological studies (Elisa and Immunoblot assays) were predominant factors for establishment the diagnosis even in case of the absence of epidemiological history. Conclusions: 1. The investigation proved that LA is manifested by increasing body temperature, persistent mono arthritis, and synovitis. 2. There were presented that serological studies (Elisa and Immunoblot) are determining factors for diagnosis verification even in case of the absence of epidemiological history. 3. It was proved that genetic examination on HLA antigen B27 is necessary for differential diagnosis of arthritis. 4. The given investigation based on laboratory and instrumental examinations of children showed that Lyme arthritis treatment envisages antibiotic therapy and rheumatoid arthritis and requires non-steroid plus antibiotic therapy