OBJECTIVES:

The incidence of Lyme disease (LD) in Slovak Republic is assumed about 2000- 3000 cases per year with about 100 cases of encephalitis as its complication. No study was published about the impact of LD on quality of life (QoL) and work ability (WA) in Slovak Republic.

METHODS:

The sample consisted of 50 patients, 32 women and 18 men, with average age being 55,8 years. 11 patients were classified as LD with neuropathia, 24 patients – LD with arthro-myopathia, 13- LD with fatique syndroma, 2- LD with heart syndroma. The average duration of disease was 4 years. Primary method used for the analysis of QoL was a combined questionnaire: A. Demography, B. Clinical part. C. Quality of life, D. Socio-economic part. QoL and WA were evaluated on numeric scales from 0 - the worst to 10 - the best. Standard statistical tests were used in results evaluation.

RESULTS:

Significant statistical differences (p less tahn 0,05) in QoL were found: in the time of best health – 9,0, without LD – 8,1, in the time of diagnosis – 4,4, current (observed, treated when necessary) – 5,2. The results gained in WA were: 9,2 vs 8,3 vs 5,2 vs 4,7. The results from QoL and WA were in strong correlation. The myo-arthropatic pain was the same in the time of diagnosis- 4,40 as by the treatment- 4,34, the fatique was similar – 4,5 vs 4,7, as symptoms of heart failure- 5,9 vs 6,3. Willingness to pay was for full health withou LD was 75,0 € monthly by average monthly income 420,0 €.

CONCLUSIONS:

LD has a significant impact on patients‘ QoL and WA. There are significant differences in both areas in duration of LD. The treatment had positive impact on QoL and WA. Longer time of LD duration had worse QoL and WA.