Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction during therapy of neuroborreliosis

Abstract

Introduction. Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction implies trembling, headache, temperature, rash, meningitis, respiratory problems, liver, kidney and heart dysfunction during antibiotic treatment of Lyme disease. Case outline. A 47-year-old patient in May 2016 had circular redness on the thigh, fatigue, myalgia, nausea and headache. Borrelia Burgdorferi IgM antibodies were positive. She took doxycycline 200 mg/day, four weeks. Western blot IgM and IgG were positive as well. Retreated with Azithromycin, 500 mg/day, three weeks. Next year, there was a sleep and memory disorder, fatigue, dizziness, right leg paresthesia and burning in the soles, muscle weakness, decreased sensitivity and right foot hyperreflexia. Electromyography showed axonal degeneration of the peroneus and the tibialis. Pleocytosis (5 leucocytes/mm³) and intrathecal IgG were found. Magnetic resonance of the head in order. Neuroborreliosis was diagnosed and treatment included ceftriaxone, 2 grams/day, three weeks. After the second dose, trembling, myalgia, headache, nausea, flushed nose, dizziness and nausea started. Temperature 37.8°C. No changes on the skin. The antibiotic was not interrupted, symptomatic therapy was administered, and after two days the symptoms stopped. Neurological disorders have not completely disappeared. Titre antibodies still present. Conclusion. Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction occurs in 7.0-30.0% of patients treated for Lyme disease. Causes are multifactorial. Spirochetes release toxins, hypersensitivity is present, phagocytes destroy agents, complements and cytokines are activated. It is often not recognized. Tremor, fever, myalgia and skin rashes are present before the antibiotic, and the worsening is attributed to the underlying disease or allergy. Doctors should expect it during the treatment of spirochete-related diseases and provide appropriate care.