Lyme disease guidelines are in the top 5% of all research articles

We are proud to announce that Altmetrics has affirmed the evidence treatment guidelines for Lyme disease are in the top 5% of all research articles. Altmetrics citation-based metrics consists of qualitative data that tracks research publications and their ability to reach and influence their audience. According to Altmetrics, their data encompassed more than 107,000 downloads.

After the guidelines by the Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA) had been criticized for not addressing the severity of chronic manifestations, ILADS published guidelines in hopes of filling the gap. Due to the growing number of chronic conditions, controversy over treatment, and high level of public concern, ILADS composed their guidelines based on The Grading of Recommendations Assessment Development and Evaluation (GRADE). ILADS assessed and graded available research evidence and shifted their guidelines from evidence to recommendations, providing individuals with a transparent and systematic framework. GRADE took in account the harm and benefits of interventions, patient preferences, and values.

The extended antibiotics recommendation provided by the ILADS guidelines has already been adopted, and that notion is continuing to grow. According to a survey in 2011, 50% of New England physicians believe long-term use of antibiotics was "sometimes useful," while 25% thought it was "always useful." The ILADS guidelines have been incorporated in the ILADS physician training program, accepted by the National Guideline Clearing House, where it can be seen on their website and professional conferences, and it was published in the open accessed journal Expert Review of Anti-Infective Therapy.

To view and download ILADS guidelines, visit: Link to 2014 ILADS guidelines at Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy