Loading...
Date of Award
Spring 2024
Degree Name
Master of Medical Science (Physician Assistant)
Department
Physician Assistant; College of Health Sciences
First Advisor
Jacinta G. Hollinger, MMS, PA-C, MLS(ASCP)
Abstract
Objective: To investigate the viability of using doxycycline to treat pediatric Lyme
disease. Methods: Literature regarding the effect of doxycycline on developing teeth
was analyzed to determine if using this antibiotic to treat pediatric Lyme disease is
appropriate. Literature regarding the symptomatology, incidence, diagnosis, and
sequelae of Lyme disease was also analyzed. Results: An examination of a total of 127 pediatric patients treated with doxycycline across 3 studies found no cases of
permanent tooth discoloration. 6 cases of tooth discoloration were found out of a total of 355 pediatric patients treated with doxycycline across 4 additional studies. Conclusion: Existing literature indicates that the risk of tooth discoloration in pediatric patients as a result of doxycycline use is low. Due to the increasing incidence of Lyme disease and ongoing shortage of amoxicillin powder, additional studies on this topic would be beneficial.
Recommended Citation
Holloway, John, "Reevaluating the Use of Doxycycline in the Treatment of Pediatric Lyme Disease" (2024). Capstone Showcase. 70.
https://scholarworks.arcadia.edu/showcase/2024/pa/70
Reevaluating the Use of Doxycycline in the Treatment of Pediatric Lyme Disease
Objective: To investigate the viability of using doxycycline to treat pediatric Lyme
disease. Methods: Literature regarding the effect of doxycycline on developing teeth
was analyzed to determine if using this antibiotic to treat pediatric Lyme disease is
appropriate. Literature regarding the symptomatology, incidence, diagnosis, and
sequelae of Lyme disease was also analyzed. Results: An examination of a total of 127 pediatric patients treated with doxycycline across 3 studies found no cases of
permanent tooth discoloration. 6 cases of tooth discoloration were found out of a total of 355 pediatric patients treated with doxycycline across 4 additional studies. Conclusion: Existing literature indicates that the risk of tooth discoloration in pediatric patients as a result of doxycycline use is low. Due to the increasing incidence of Lyme disease and ongoing shortage of amoxicillin powder, additional studies on this topic would be beneficial.