134. A Comparison of Lyme Carditis in Children and Adults, a Case Series

Abstract

BackgroundLyme disease is a common entity in Maine, and Lyme carditis is an uncommon manifestation of this disease. This case series describes and compares the presentation, management, and outcomes of Lyme carditis in pediatric and adult populations.MethodsCharts of pediatric and adult patients with heart block and positive Lyme serologies hospitalized in Portland, Maine between January 2010 and December 2018 were analyzed. Data on medical history, presentation, treatment, and outcomes are described.ResultsTen children (range 7–17, mean 12.4 years) and 20 adults (range 22–81, mean 41.4 years) were admitted for Lyme carditis in the examined period. All cases presented between June and October. Twenty-seven (90%) were male, and 26 (87%) had no prior cardiac history. Of the adults, 1 (5%) reported using cocaine, 4 (20%) opioids, and 6 (30%) marijuana. Seventeen (57%) had outpatient evaluation prior to admission. Ten patients (59%) were not recognized as having Lyme disease. One case suspected to have Lyme was not initially treated with doxycycline. The most common alternative diagnoses were a viral illness and erythema multiforme. No coinfections were noted. Proportionately more children than adults had disseminated erythema migrans (40% vs. 20%) and fever (60% vs. 35%). First degree heart block was more prevalent in children (40%), and Mobitz type 2 heart block was more prevalent in adults (55%). Ten patients (30%) presented with syncope. More adults than children needed temporary pacing, 9 (45%) vs. 2 (20%). Children had shorter antibiotic durations compared with adults (mean 19.8 days vs. 23.6 days) Twenty-seven (90%) had improved heart block. Three adult patients (10%) required a pacemaker following hospitalization. Nine (90%) children and 14 (70%) adults were discharged with a PR 200-300ms. There was a single death in this series, which occurred after discharge to another state.ConclusionCases tended to be in younger patients with male predominance. Most patients still had some degree of heart block on discharge. The majority of patients were evaluated prior to hospitalization but Lyme disease was suspected in only 41%. Improved recognition of early Lyme disease and more prompt treatment may lead to decreased complications of Lyme carditis.Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.