PATIENT WORTHY: NYC's Cohen Center Established to Offer Dedicated Lyme Disease Treatment

NYC's Cohen Center Established to Offer Dedicated Lyme Disease Treatment
Lyme disease, and other tick-borne illnesses, can cause intense and prolonged symptoms. In fact, some patients experience chronic symptoms for a number of years following the initial bite. However, there is little expertise on how to effectively treat these chronic and sometimes debilitating symptoms. Now, a $16M grant from the Steven & Alexandra Cohen […] The post NYC's Cohen Center Established to Offer Dedicated Lyme Disease Treatment appeared first on Patient Worthy.

Read in Patient Worthy: https://apple.news/AwVuPLdWVSzGSOsdkNPU1dg

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Bob Cowart
Email: bob@cowart.com
Phone: 510-540-6667
Books: http://www.amazon.com/Robert-Cowart/e/B001HOJ3ZQ
Blog: http://bobcowart.blogspot.com 
Twitter: @bobcowart

Horowitz: Dapsone + doxy + rifampin very effective for chronic Lyme

Hey everyone. This looks like fantastic news for chronic Lyme sufferers everywhere. Something to celebrate! Thank you, Dr. Horowitz!!

-Bob

A groundbreaking in vivo clinical study conducted by Dr. Richard Horowitz has found that an eight-week course of the leprosy drug dapsone combined with doxycycline and rifampin is effective in improving symptoms in 98% of patients suffering from chronic Lyme disease/Post Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS).

Dapsone not only acts as a 'persister' drug, but also lowers inflammation, has anti-malarial effects, and can be effective in an autoimmune illness.

These are all clinical manifestations that can be seen in chronic Lyme disease with associated co-infections like Babesia (a malarial-like parasite) and Bartonella (an intracellular bacterium).

58% stay in remission after one year

After using this novel oral, generic antibiotic protocol, 58 percent of those with a history of PTLDS remained in remission for one year or longer, providing new hope for those suffering from chronic Lyme disease. Until now, no treatment has been available for PTLDS. The study is published today in the peer-reviewed journal Antibiotics.

Lyme borreliosis is a worldwide epidemic, which can result in disabling chronic fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, and neuropsychiatric complaints. Between 300,000 and 500,000 new Lyme disease cases are diagnosed in the U.S. every year, with an estimated 2 million individuals suffering from PTLDS.

Prior National Institute of Health (NIH) trials have shown that symptoms of chronic Lyme disease can be as severe as chronic congestive heart failure, leading to long-term suffering and disability, elevated healthcare costs, and financial insecurity.

Insurance companies have usually denied the persistence of Lyme bacteria after standard antibiotic therapies. This frequently leads to a denial of long-term treatment and lack of access to care for chronically ill patients, who are left without answers as to the etiology of their long-term illness.

Persister forms of Lyme bacteria

During the past decade, new research from Stanford University, Johns Hopkins University, and the University of New Haven have shown the presence of novel biofilm forms and 'persister' forms of Borrelia in culture, which potentially explains treatment resistance and relapse.

A recent study published in the Springer journal BMC Research Notes, conducted by University of New Haven researchers and Dr. Richard Horowitz, showed how the bacteria that causes Lyme disease, Borrelia burgdorferi, forms biofilms that protect the organism, and that dapsone combination therapy was one of the most effective treatments against the biofilm form of the bacteria.

This study helps identify dapsone's novel mechanism, which explains in part its effectiveness in relieving resistant symptoms in chronic Lyme disease. The follow-up clinical study demonstrated that combining antibiotics including a tetracycline with older leprosy drugs, e.g., rifampin and dapsone, led to a 98% improvement and 45% long term remission rate in all patients.

Both studies were funded by the MSIDS Research Foundation (MRF) which supports research for causes, treatments, and possible cures of tick-borne and other vector-borne illnesses, as well as the causes, treatments, and possible cures of other acute and chronic diseases.

"The next step is to perform a randomized, placebo-controlled trial using double dose dapsone combination therapy (DDS CT), done in parallel with studies to find answers for resistant tickborne co-infections," said Dr. Richard Horowitz. "The goal is to decisively prove that the elusive "cure" for Lyme disease that has evaded researchers and clinicians for decades may now finally be within reach, curing the suffering of millions of patients worldwide."

Dr. Richard Horowitz

Dr. Richard Horowitz is a board-certified internist and medical director of the Hudson Valley Healing Arts Center, specializing in the treatment of tick-borne disorders. He has treated over 13,000 chronic Lyme disease patients in the past 30 years and was a member of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Tick-borne Disease Working Group and co-chair of the HHS Other Tick-borne Diseases and Co-infections subcommittee that provided Congress with recommendations on tick-borne illness. He is presently serving on the HHS Babesia and Tick-borne Pathogens subcommittee. His latest book "How Can I Get Better? An Action Plan for Treating Resistant Lyme and Chronic Disease" explains his comprehensive approach to treating resistant chronic illness.

MSIDS Research Foundation (MRF)

MRF was formed for the purposes of researching the causes, treatments, and possible cures of tick-borne and other vector-borne illnesses, as well as the causes, treatments, and possible cures of other acute and chronic diseases. The goal of the MRF is to disseminate research and expand scientific knowledge for the benefit of all who suffer from acute and chronic illnesses.

Related Studies

• The Springer study showed that higher doses of dapsone were more effective in culture against the biofilm forms of Borrelia (Horowitz, R.I., Murali, K., Gaur, G. et al. Effect of dapsone alone and in combination with intracellular antibiotics against the biofilm form of B. burgdorferi. BMC Res Notes 13, 455 (2020).
• Antibiotics (Efficacy of Double-Dose Dapsone Combination Therapy in the Treatment of Chronic Lyme Disease/Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS) and Associated Co-infections: A Report of Three Cases and Retrospective Chart Review. Antibiotics, accepted Oct 21, 2020.
• Retrospective study on 200 patients who improved on dapsone combination therapy (Horowitz, R.I.; Freeman, P.R. Precision Medicine: retrospective chart review and data analysis of 200 patients on dapsone combination therapy for chronic Lyme disease/post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome: part 1.International Journal of General Medicine 2019:12 101–119. Horowitz, R.I.; Freeman, P.R.
• Precision Medicine: The Role of the MSIDS Model in Defining, Diagnosing, and Treating Chronic Lyme Disease/Post Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome and Other Chronic Illness: Part 2. Healthcare 2018, 6, 129. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30400667; Horowitz RI, Freeman PR (2016).
• Retrospective study on 100 patients who improved on dapsone combination therapy (The Use of Dapsone as a Novel "Persister" Drug in the Treatment of Chronic Lyme Disease/Post Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome. J Clin Exp Dermatol Res 7: 345. doi:10.4172/2155-9554.1000345).

Source of press release: MSIDS Research Foundation

Related Posts:

1. TOUCHED BY LYME: Leprosy drug shows promise for Lyme treatment 
2. Horowitz: Reducing hinflammation can head off serious COVID complications 
3. Horowitz talks Lyme with Katie Couric Oct 9; he'll be at San Diego Lymewalk Oct. 19 
4. NEWS: Horowitz talks Lyme with Katie Couric Oct 9; he'll be at San Diego Lymewalk Oct. 19

Vitamin D levels appear to play role in COVID-19 mortality

Vitamin D levels appear to play role in COVID-19 mortality rates: Patients with severe deficiency are twice as likely to experience major complications

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/05/200507121353.htm

Researchers analyzed patient data from 10 countries. The team found a correlation between low vitamin D levels and hyperactive immune systems. Vitamin D strengths innate immunity and prevents overactive immune responses. The finding could explain several mysteries, including why children are unlikely to die from COVID-19.

Stool transplants: A way to bring gut bacteria back to health

Interesting article about possible linkage between PD and gut biome…. 

Stool transplants: A way to bring gut bacteria back to health

We often don't like talking about our bowels, but they are of great importance for our overall health. And if they don't work properly, serious problems can occur. Sometimes stool transplants can help. 

What is the correct medical language when talking about human solid body waste? S…? Excrement? Or feces?

The common name among doctors is stool, says Maria Vehreschild,  the head of Infectiology at the University Hospital in Frankfurt,  Germany.

She knows that hardly anyone likes to talk about stool in general and their own in particular. And to even imagine what it would be like to have someone else's stool transplanted into one's own body is probably a rather repulsive idea for most people.

But patients who are about to undergo a stool transplant  are hardly bothered by this, says Vehreschild. After all, it could mean an improvement in their state of health. "The psychological problems of the recipients are mainly caused by the fact that intestinal diseases are usually recurrent. In other words, they come back again and again. This troubles the patients more than anything else," says Vehreschild.

In addition to her work at the University of Frankfurt...

See the rest of the article….. 

https://www.dw.com/en/stool-transplants-a-way-to-bring-gut-bacteria-back-to-health/a-54946345

LYME SCI: What smells like citrus and protects you from ticks?

From Lymedisease.org. A new, naturally-derived tick repellent that is effective against Lyme ticks.

https://www.lymedisease.org/lyme-sci-nootkatone-repellent/

Ivermectin Triple Therapy Protocol for COVID-19 Released to Australian GPs for Infected Elderly and Frontline Workers - FirstWord Pharma

https://www.firstwordpharma.com/node/1750924

Treatment of Insomnia in Parkinson’s Disease: A Controlled Trial of Eszopiclone and Placebo

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2928867/

Microdose lithium formulation is capable of halting signs of advanced Alzheimer’s and improving cognition

THE idea of putting a mind-altering drug in the drinking water is the stuff of sci-fi, terrorist plots and totalitarian governments. Considering the outcry that occurred when putting fluoride in the water was first proposed, one can only imagine the furor that would ensue if such a thing were ever suggested. 

The debate, however, is moot. It's a done deal. Mother Nature has already put a psychotropic drug in the drinking water, and that drug is lithium. Although this fact has been largely ignored for over half a century, it appears to have important medical implications. 

Lithium is a naturally occurring element, not a molecule like most medications, and it is present in the United States, depending on the geographic area, at concentrations that can range widely, from undetectable to around .170 milligrams per liter. This amount is less than a thousandth of the minimum daily dose given for bipolar disorders and for depression that doesn't respond to antidepressants. Although it seems strange that the microscopic amounts of lithium found in groundwater could have any substantial medical impact, the more scientists look for such effects, the more they seem to discover. Evidence is slowly accumulating that relatively tiny doses of lithium can have beneficial effects. They appear to decrease suicide rates significantly and may even promote brain health and improve mood. 

Yet despite the studies demonstrating the benefits of relatively high natural lithium levels present in the drinking water of certain communities, few seem to be aware of its potential. Intermittently, stories appear in the scientific journals and media, but they seem to have little traction in the medical community or with the general public...

See full article.

https://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/14/opinion/sunday/should-we-all-take-a-bit-of-lithium.html

'Master regulator' may shield the brain from Parkinson's-related damage

Switching off 'master regulator' may shield the brain from Parkinson's-related damage
Dr. Viviane Labrie | Van Andel Institute

Read in SCIENMAG: https://apple.news/AUlggauMiR4iOCzHypzUygw

Lyme can cause vocal cord paralysis

https://danielcameronmd.com/lyme-disease-added-causes-vocal-cord-paralysis/

By Dr. Daniel Cameron

 

(Updated: 6/24/19)

In the Prevention article, doctors describe how Lyme disease can impact a person's vocal cords. "Lyme can affect the nerves that are responsible for controlling the muscles in the vocal cords," says Amesh A. Adalja, MD, an infectious disease specialist at Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security. "As a result, someone could technically lose their voice if they had Lyme disease."

In fact, a case series published in the Journal of Voice identified Lyme disease as one of several causes of vocal cord paralysis, a condition that can dramatically impact patients' lives, affecting voice, swallowing and airway function. [1] Identifying the cause is important, the authors state, in order to treat the condition successfully.

Vocal cord paralysis can be caused by neurologic and inflammatory conditions, as well as by various infections. "Infectious causes include Lyme disease, West Nile virus, varicella, herpes, Epstein-Barr, syphilis, and others." [1]

The 2016 case series examined the records of 231 Pennsylvania patients with vocal cord paralysis (or paresis). The authors found that the prevalence of syphilis, myasthenia gravis, and Lyme disease was higher in these patients when compared with the national rate.

Join the conversation on Facebook: Shania Twain lost her ability to sing for several years due to Lyme disease. 

Several of the patients with vocal cord paralysis had Lyme disease. "A positive Lyme titer with confirmatory Western blot was found in five patients (2.2%). When compared with the 2013 incidence of Lyme disease in Pennsylvania (0.039%), these results were statistically significant (P < 0.0001)." [1] 

This is not the first time Lyme disease has been associated with vocal cord paralysis. In fact, it is possible that this is an underreported symptom, Adalja tells Prevention magazine.

Martínez-Balzano and colleague describe the case of a 90-year-old man who presented with dysphonia and upper and lower extremity weakness on his right side. [2] He also had bilateral vocal cord paralysis and respiratory failure which required a tracheostomy.

The man tested positive for Lyme disease. "The patient received IV ceftriaxone for 2 weeks, followed by complete recovery of motor and vocal function over 2 months."

In 2010, Martzolff reported two cases of vocal fold paresis secondary to neuroborreliosis. "Both cases resulted in favorable outcomes after antibiotic treatment." [3]

The authors point out the importance of testing vocal cord paralysis patients for Lyme disease, particularly in those living in endemic regions.

In 1988, a 45-year-old singer developed a sore throat and general malaise which progressed to hoarseness and left-sided neuralgia. The patient tested positive for Lyme disease and was treated with 3 weeks of doxycycline. "After 14 days of therapy she began to improve and after a few weeks she could speak and sing again," writes Schroeter. [4]

"We have seen a case where serologically confirmed B. burgdorferi infection was associated with paralysis of the recurrent laryngeal nerve," explains Schroeter.

"Because vocal fold paresis secondary to Lyme disease can be treated easily with antibiotics," explains White, "testing patients with idiopathic vocal fold paresis should be routine, especially in endemic areas or in patients who have traveled to areas in which Lyme disease is endemic." [1]

White and colleagues did not design their case series to test causality. "Although their causal relationship to vocal fold paralysis or paresis has not been investigated or established by this study, the medical importance of having established these diagnoses and instituted treatment is self-evident, and their possible causal association awaits further study."

Nevertheless, the authors recommended implementing a comprehensive evaluation to identify serious and treatable causal or associated disorders underlying vocal fold paralysis and paresis.

The most common causes of this disorder include non-laryngeal malignancies, iatrogenic injuries, and idiopathic causes. Post-operative dysfunction after retraction, dissection along the recurrent laryngeal nerve and thoracic malignancy have also been identified as contributing triggers, explains White.

Additional causes of vocal cord paralysis include neurologic complications such as myasthenia gravis, severe degenerative spine disease, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Parkinson disease, as well as other disorders, White states.

Furthermore, inflammatory causes may include sarcoidosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, amyloidosis, and polyarteritis nodosa.

"Additionally, diabetes, thyroid disease, malnutrition, and vinca alkaloids have been found to cause vocal fold (cord) paralysis or paresis," White explains.

"It is important for clinicians, especially tertiary and quaternary providers, to be familiar with the numerous diseases that may present in association with vocal fold paralysis or paresis," states White, "and to consider comprehensive diagnostic evaluation to identify serious and treatable causal or associated disorders."