scholarly journals Mobile targeted screening for tuberculosis in Zimbabwe: diagnosis, linkage to care and treatment outcomes

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 159-165 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Sengai ◽  
C. Timire ◽  
A. D. Harries ◽  
H. Tweya ◽  
F. Kavenga ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Outcomes ◽  
Treatment Success ◽  
Linkage To Care ◽  
Positive Symptom ◽  
Loss To Follow Up ◽  
Care And Treatment ◽  
Pre Treatment ◽  
Tb 126 ◽  
The Relationship

Setting: Targeted active screening for tuberculosis (Tas4TB) using mobile trucks in the community was implemented in 15 high TB burden districts in Zimbabwe. At-risk populations were screened for TB based on symptoms and chest radiography (CXR) results. Those with any positive symptom and/or an abnormal CXR had sputum collected for investigation and diagnosis and were linked to care and treatment if found to have TB.Objective: To determine 1) the proportion and characteristics of those screened and diagnosed with TB; 2) the relationship between TB symptoms, CXR and diagnostic yields; and 3) the relationship between initiation of anti-TB treatment and treatment outcomes.Design: Cohort study using routinely collected dataResults: A total of 39 065 persons were screened, of whom 663 (1.7%) were diagnosed with TB; 126/663 (19.0%) were bacteriologically confirmed. The highest TB diagnostic yields were in symptomatic persons with CXRs suggestive of TB (19.4%), asymptomatic persons with CXRs suggestive of TB (8.4%) and persons at high-risk of TB (3.2%). For all diagnosed TB patients, pre-treatment loss to follow-up was 18.9% and treatment success was 59.9%.Conclusion: Tas4TB resulted in high diagnostic yields; however, linkage of diagnosis to care was poor. Reasons for loss to follow-up need to be better understood and rectified.

scholarly journals Trends, Characteristics and Treatment Outcomes of Patients with Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis in Uzbekistan: 2013–2018

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (9) ◽  
pp. 4663
Author(s):  
Khasan Safaev ◽  
Nargiza Parpieva ◽  
Irina Liverko ◽  
Sharofiddin Yuldashev ◽  
Kostyantyn Dumchev ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Treatment Outcomes ◽  
Treatment Success ◽  
National Level ◽  
Drug Resistant ◽  
Drug Resistant Tuberculosis ◽  
Loss To Follow Up ◽  
Resistant Tuberculosis ◽  
Mdr Tb

Uzbekistan has a high burden of drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB). Although conventional treatment for multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) and extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB) has been available since 2013, there has been no systematic documentation about its use and effectiveness. We therefore documented at national level the trends, characteristics, and outcomes of patients with drug-resistant TB enrolled for treatment from 2013–2018 and assessed risk factors for unfavorable treatment outcomes (death, failure, loss to follow-up, treatment continuation, change to XDR-TB regimen) in patients treated in Tashkent city from 2016–2017. This was a cohort study using secondary aggregate and individual patient data. Between 2013 and 2018, MDR-TB numbers were stable between 2347 and 2653 per annum, while XDR-TB numbers increased from 33 to 433 per annum. At national level, treatment success (cured and treatment completed) for MDR-TB decreased annually from 63% to 57%, while treatment success for XDR-TB increased annually from 24% to 57%. On multivariable analysis, risk factors for unfavorable outcomes, death, and loss to follow-up in drug-resistant TB patients treated in Tashkent city included XDR-TB, male sex, increasing age, previous TB treatment, alcohol abuse, and associated comorbidities (cardiovascular and liver disease, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS). Reasons for these findings and programmatic implications are discussed.

scholarly journals Tuberculosis among economic migrants: A cross‐sectional study of the risk of poor treatment outcomes and impact of a treatment adherence intervention among temporary residents in an urban district in Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luan Nguyen Quang Vo ◽  
Andrew James Codlin ◽  
Rachel Jeanette Forse ◽  
Hoa Trung Nguyen ◽  
Thanh Nguyen Vu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Outcomes ◽  
Treatment Success ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Urban District ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Loss To Follow Up ◽  
Lower Treatment ◽  
Adherence Support ◽  
Poor Treatment

Abstract Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major cause of avoidable deaths. Economic migrants represent a vulnerable population due to their exposure to medical and social risk factors. These factors expose them to higher risks for TB incidence and poor treatment outcomes. Methods: This cross-sectional study evaluated WHO-defined TB treatment outcomes among economic migrants in an urban district of Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam. We measured the association of a patient’s government-defined residency status with treatment success and loss to follow-up categories at baseline and performed a comparative interrupted time series (ITS) analysis to assess the impact of community-based adherence support on treatment outcomes. Key measures of interest of the ITS were the differences in step change (β6) and post-intervention trend (β7). Results: Short-term, inter-province migrants experienced lower treatment success (aRR=0.95 [95% CI: 0.92-0.99], p=0.010) and higher loss to follow-up (aOR=1.98 [95% CI: 1.44-2.72], p<0.001) than permanent residents. Intra-province migrants were similarly more likely to be lost to follow-up (aOR=1.86 [95% CI: 1.03-3.36], p=0.041). There was evidence that patients >55 years of age (aRR=0.93 [95% CI: 0.89-0.96], p<0.001), relapse patients (aRR=0.89 [95% CI: 0.84-0.94], p<0.001), and retreatment patients (aRR=0.62 [95% CI: 0.52-0.75], p<0.001) had lower treatment success rates. TB/HIV co-infection was also associated with lower treatment success (aRR=0.77 [95% CI: 0.73-0.82], p<0.001) and higher loss to follow-up (aOR=2.18 [95% CI: 1.55-3.06], p<0.001). The provision of treatment adherence support increased treatment success (IRR(β6)=1.07 [95% CI: 1.00, 1.15], p=0.041) and reduced loss to follow-up (IRR(β6)=0.17 [95% CI: 0.04, 0.69], p=0.013) in the intervention districts. Loss to follow-up continued to decline throughout the post-implementation period (IRR(β7)=0.90 [95% CI: 0.83, 0.98], p=0.019). Conclusions: Economic migrants, particularly those crossing provincial borders, have higher risk of poor treatment outcomes and should be prioritized for tailored adherence support. In light of accelerating urbanization in many regions of Asia, implementation trials are needed to inform evidence-based design of strategies for this vulnerable population.

scholarly journals One dollar incentive improves tuberculosis treatment outcomes in programmatic settings in rural Uganda

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph Baruch Baluku ◽  
Bridget Nakazibwe ◽  
Bright Twinomugisha ◽  
Rebecca Najjuuko ◽  
Nyirazihawe Isabella ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Outcomes ◽  
Treatment Success ◽  
Routine Care ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Loss To Follow Up ◽  
United States Dollar ◽  
Adjusted Incidence Rate ◽  
Lost To Follow Up

AbstractThe study aim was to determine the association of a one United States dollar (USD) dollar incentive and tuberculosis (TB) treatment outcomes among people with TB receiving treatment at a rural hospital in Uganda under programmatic settings. We conducted a quasi-experiment in which people with TB were randomised (1:1 ratio) to receive either a one USD incentive at months 0, 2, 5 and 6 (Dollar arm) or routine care (Routine arm). A second control group (Retrospective controls) consisted of participants who had a treatment outcome in the preceding 6 months. Treatment outcomes were compared between the intervention and control groups using Pearson’s chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests. The association between the incentive and treatment outcomes was determined using Poisson regression analysis with robust variances. Between November 2018 and October 2019, we enrolled 180 participants (60 in the Dollar arm and 120 in the Control group). TB cure (33.3% vs. 20.8%, p = 0.068) and treatment success (70.0% vs. 59.2% p = 0.156) were higher in the Dollar arm than the Control group, while loss-to-follow-up was lower in the Dollar arm (10.0% vs. 20.8% p = 0.070). Participants in the Dollar arm were more likely to be cured (adjusted incidence rate ratio (aIRR): 1.59, 95% CI 1.04–2.44, p = 0.032) and less likely to be lost to follow-up (aIRR: 0.44, 95% CI 0.20–0.96, p = 0.040). A one-dollar incentive was associated with higher TB cure and lower loss-to-follow-up among people with TB in rural Uganda.

scholarly journals Tuberculosis among economic migrants: A cross‐sectional study of the risk of poor treatment outcomes and impact of a treatment adherence intervention among temporary residents in an urban district in Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luan Nguyen Quang Vo ◽  
Andrew James Codlin ◽  
Rachel Jeanette Forse ◽  
Hoa Trung Nguyen ◽  
Thanh Nguyen Vu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Outcomes ◽  
Treatment Success ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Urban District ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Loss To Follow Up ◽  
Lower Treatment ◽  
Adherence Support ◽  
Poor Treatment

Abstract Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major cause of avoidable deaths. Economic migrants represent an underserved population due to their exposure to medical and social risk factors, which can affect their health. Methods: This cross-sectional study evaluated WHO-defined TB treatment outcomes among economic migrants in an urban district of Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam. We measured the association of a patient’s government-defined residency status with treatment success and loss to follow-up categories at baseline and performed a comparative interrupted time series analysis to assess the impact of community-based adherence support on treatment outcomes. Results: Short-term, inter-province migrants experienced lower treatment success (aRR=0.95 [0.92-0.99], p=0.010) and higher loss to follow-up (aOR=1.98 [1.44-2.72], p<0.001) than permanent residents. Intra-province migrants were similarly more likely to be lost to follow-up (aOR=1.86 [1.03-3.36], p=0.041). There was evidence that patients >55 years of age (aRR=0.93 [0.89-0.96], p<0.001), relapse patients (aRR=0.89 [0.84-0.94], p<0.001), and retreatment patients (aRR=0.62 [0.52-0.75], p<0.001) had lower treatment success rates. TB/HIV co-infection was also associated with lower treatment success (aRR=0.77 [0.73-0.82], p<0.001) and higher loss to follow-up (aOR=2.18 [1.55-3.06], p<0.001). The provision of treatment adherence support increased treatment success (IRR(β6)=1.07 [1.00, 1.15], p=0.041) and reduced loss to follow-up (IRR(β6)=0.17 [0.04, 0.69], p=0.013) in the intervention districts. Loss to follow-up continued to decline throughout the post-implementation period (IRR(β7)=0.90 [0.83, 0.98], p=0.019). Conclusions: Economic migrants, particularly those crossing provincial borders, have higher risk of poor treatment outcomes and should be prioritized for tailored adherence support. In light of accelerating urbanization in many regions of Asia, implementation trials are needed to inform evidence-based design of strategies for this vulnerable population.

scholarly journals Tuberculosis among economic migrants: A cross‐sectional study of the risk of poor treatment outcomes and impact of a treatment adherence intervention among temporary residents in an urban district in Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luan Nguyen Quang Vo ◽  
Andrew James Codlin ◽  
Rachel Jeanette Forse ◽  
Hoa Trung Nguyen ◽  
Thanh Nguyen Vu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Outcomes ◽  
Treatment Success ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Urban District ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Loss To Follow Up ◽  
Lower Treatment ◽  
Adherence Support ◽  
Poor Treatment

Abstract Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major cause of avoidable deaths. Economic migrants represent a vulnerable population due to their exposure to medical and social risk factors. These factors expose them to higher risks for TB incidence and poor treatment outcomes. Methods: This cross-sectional study evaluated WHO-defined TB treatment outcomes among economic migrants in an urban district of Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam. We measured the association of a patient’s government-defined residency status with treatment success and loss to follow-up categories at baseline and performed a comparative interrupted time series analysis to assess the impact of community-based adherence support on treatment outcomes. Results: Short-term, inter-province migrants experienced lower treatment success (aRR=0.95 [0.92-0.99], p=0.010) and higher loss to follow-up (aOR=1.98 [1.44-2.72], p<0.001) than permanent residents. Intra-province migrants were similarly more likely to be lost to follow-up (aOR=1.86 [1.03-3.36], p=0.041). There was evidence that patients >55 years of age (aRR=0.93 [0.89-0.96], p<0.001), relapse patients (aRR=0.89 [0.84-0.94], p<0.001), and retreatment patients (aRR=0.62 [0.52-0.75], p<0.001) had lower treatment success rates. TB/HIV co-infection was also associated with lower treatment success (aRR=0.77 [0.73-0.82], p<0.001) and higher loss to follow-up (aOR=2.18 [1.55-3.06], p<0.001). The provision of treatment adherence support increased treatment success (IRR(β 6 )=1.07 [1.00, 1.15], p=0.041) and reduced loss to follow-up (IRR(β 6 )=0.17 [0.04, 0.69], p=0.013) in the intervention districts. Loss to follow-up continued to decline throughout the post-implementation period (IRR(β 7 )=0.90 [0.83, 0.98], p=0.019). Conclusions: Economic migrants, particularly those crossing provincial borders, have higher risk of poor treatment outcomes and should be prioritized for tailored adherence support. In light of accelerating urbanization in many regions of Asia, implementation trials are needed to inform evidence-based design of strategies for this vulnerable population.

scholarly journals TB outcomes and mortality risk factors in adult migrants at the Thailand-Myanmar border

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (10) ◽  
pp. 1009-1015
Author(s):  
A. Carroll ◽  
M. Vincenti-Delmas ◽  
B. Maung Maung ◽  
W. P. P. Htun ◽  
F. Nosten ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Treatment Success ◽  
Case Fatality ◽  
Success Rates ◽  
Hiv Status ◽  
Loss To Follow Up ◽  
Hiv Coinfection ◽  
Pre Treatment ◽  
Death And Loss

BACKGROUND: Cross-border migrants at the Thailand-Myanmar border are an underserved and vulnerable population. We aimed to identify the causes and risk factors for TB mortality at a migrant-friendly TB programme.METHODS: Routinely collected data on TB cases, treatment outcomes and causes of death were analysed for adult TB cases diagnosed between January 2013 and April 2017. Mortality in the 6 months post-diagnosis was calculated and risk factors were identified using multivariable Poisson regression.RESULTS: Of the 1344 TB cases diagnosed, 1005 started treatment and 128 died. Case fatality rate was 9.5% and the TB mortality rate was 2.4/100 person-months. The number of pre-treatment deaths (33/128) and losses to follow-up (9.0%) were high. Among cases enrolled in treatment, the treatment success rate was 79.8%. When stratified by HIV status, case fatality was higher in HIV-positive cases not on antiretroviral therapy (ART) (90.3%) or with unknown HIV status (31.8%) than those on ART (14.3%) or HIV-negative (8.6%).CONCLUSION: This TB programme achieved high treatment success rates in a population with a substantial burden of TB-HIV coinfection. Expanding access to HIV testing and ART is crucial to reduce mortality. Striving towards same-day TB diagnosis and treatment could reduce death and loss to follow-up.

scholarly journals Trends in tuberculosis notification and mortality and factors associated with treatment outcomes in Serbia, 2005 to 2015

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maja Stosic ◽  
Sandra Sipetic Grujicic ◽  
Anita Grgurevic ◽  
Vesna Kuruc ◽  
Lidija Ristic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Outcomes ◽  
Treatment Success ◽  
Education Level ◽  
Success Rates ◽  
Notification Rate ◽  
Loss To Follow Up ◽  
Pulmonary Tb ◽  
Lower Education Level ◽  
Lower Education

Background Previously a country with medium tuberculosis (TB) burden, Serbia almost reached a low TB burden during the period 2005 to 2015. Aim The aim of this study was to analyse the trends in notification rates and treatment success rates as well as to identify predictors of treatment outcomes. Methods We performed a trend analysis and logistic regression analysis of 17,441 TB cases registered from 2005 to 2015 in all health facilities in Serbia, to identify predictors of treatment success, loss to follow-up and mortality. Results From 2005 to 2015, TB notification rate and mortality in Serbia decreased but treatment success remained below the global target. Loss to follow-up was associated with retreatment (odds ratio (OR) = 2.38; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.08–2.77), male sex (OR = 1.57; 95% CI: 1.39–1.79), age younger than 65 years (OR = 1.37; 95% CI: 1.20–1.51), lower education level (OR = 2.57; 95% CI: 1.74–3.80) and pulmonary TB (OR = 1.28; 95% CI: 1.06–1.56). Deaths were more frequent in retreatment cases (OR = 1.39; 95% CI: 1.12–1.61), male patients (OR = 1.34; 95% CI: 1.19–1.52), those 65 years and older (OR = 4.34; 95% CI: 4.00–5.00), those with lower education level (OR = 1.63; 95% CI: 1.14–2.33) and pulmonary TB (OR = 2.24; 95% CI: 1.78–2.83). Conclusions Special interventions should be implemented to address groups at risk of poor treatment outcome.

scholarly journals Tuberculosis among economic migrants: A cross‐sectional study of the risk of poor treatment outcomes and impact of a treatment adherence intervention among temporary residents in an urban district in Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luan Nguyen Quang Vo ◽  
Andrew James Codlin ◽  
Rachel Jeanette Forse ◽  
Hoa Trung Nguyen ◽  
Thanh Nguyen Vu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Outcomes ◽  
Treatment Success ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Urban District ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Loss To Follow Up ◽  
Lower Treatment ◽  
Adherence Support ◽  
Poor Treatment

Abstract Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major cause of avoidable deaths. Economic migrants represent a vulnerable population due to their exposure to medical and social risk factors. These factors expose them to higher risks for TB incidence and poor treatment outcomes. Methods: This cross-sectional study evaluated WHO-defined TB treatment outcomes among economic migrants in an urban district of Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam. We measured the association of a patient’s government-defined residency status with treatment success and loss to follow-up categories at baseline and performed a comparative interrupted time series (ITS) analysis to assess the impact of community-based adherence support on treatment outcomes. Key measures of interest of the ITS were the differences in step change (β6) and post-intervention trend (β7). Results: Short-term, inter-province migrants experienced lower treatment success (aRR=0.95 [95% CI: 0.92-0.99], p=0.010) and higher loss to follow-up (aOR=1.98 [95% CI: 1.44-2.72], p<0.001) than permanent residents. Intra-province migrants were similarly more likely to be lost to follow-up (aOR=1.86 [95% CI: 1.03-3.36], p=0.041). There was evidence that patients >55 years of age (aRR=0.93 [95% CI: 0.89-0.96], p<0.001), relapse patients (aRR=0.89 [95% CI: 0.84-0.94], p<0.001), and retreatment patients (aRR=0.62 [95% CI: 0.52-0.75], p<0.001) had lower treatment success rates. TB/HIV co-infection was also associated with lower treatment success (aRR=0.77 [95% CI: 0.73-0.82], p<0.001) and higher loss to follow-up (aOR=2.18 [95% CI: 1.55-3.06], p<0.001). The provision of treatment adherence support increased treatment success (IRR(β6)=1.07 [95% CI: 1.00, 1.15], p=0.041) and reduced loss to follow-up (IRR(β6)=0.17 [95% CI: 0.04, 0.69], p=0.013) in the intervention districts. Loss to follow-up continued to decline throughout the post-implementation period (IRR(β7)=0.90 [95% CI: 0.83, 0.98], p=0.019). Conclusions: Economic migrants, particularly those crossing provincial borders, have higher risk of poor treatment outcomes and should be prioritized for tailored adherence support. In light of accelerating urbanization in many regions of Asia, implementation trials are needed to inform evidence-based design of strategies for this vulnerable population.

scholarly journals Tuberculosis in the military: Trends in notification and treatment outcomes within the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, Dependants and Communities 2010-2015

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline Muringazuva ◽  
Philip Owiti ◽  
Jeffrey Edwards ◽  
Godfrey N Mutetse ◽  
Munyaradzi Dobbie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Outcomes ◽  
Treatment Success ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
High Risk Population ◽  
Loss To Follow Up ◽  
Tb Treatment ◽  
Peace And Conflict ◽  
Multivariable Regression ◽  
The Military

AbstractBackgroundHistorically, tuberculosis (TB) has been responsible for significant disease burden among the military both during peace and conflict. A routine review of Zimbabwe Defence Force (ZDF) data showed 36% of reported deaths could be attributed to TB. We conducted a study to determine the TB trends and outcomes among patients managed in ZDF health facilities between 2010-2015.MethodsRetrospective cohort study of TB patients (military and dependents). Data were extracted from ZDF TB registers and analyzed for trends in notification and outcomes. Independent factors associated with unfavourable TB treatment outcomes were modeled using multivariable regression.ResultsOf the total 1298 TB patients, 84% were males, median age 37 years and 92% from Army facilities. Ninety three percentage had pulmonary TB, 87% were new patients and 68% HIV co-infected (97% on antiretroviral therapy[ART]). Number of TB cases reduced two-fold between 2010-2015 (317 vs 115). Treatment outcomes remained relatively stable with overall treatment success of 81%, 9.9% deaths, 0.2% loss to follow up, 2.2% treatment failure, 6.6% not evaluated. Clients who were HIV-positive and not on ART were 3.81 times likely to have unfavourable outcome.ConclusionThis is the first study of TB in an African defence force showed decreasing trends in notified TB cases. Though treatment success was comparable over time, it still fell below international targets. Being HIV-positive (even with ART) was associated with increased unfavourable outcomes. Continued monitoring, evaluation and increased support of the TB programme within this high risk population is recommended.

scholarly journals Expectancies as predictors of symptom improvement after antimicrobial therapy for persistent symptoms attributed to Lyme disease

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henriët van Middendorp ◽  
Anneleen Berende ◽  
Fidel J. Vos ◽  
Hadewych H. M. ter Hofstede ◽  
Bart Jan Kullberg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lyme Disease ◽  
Treatment Success ◽  
Symptomatic Improvement ◽  
Post Treatment ◽  
Symptom Improvement ◽  
Persistent Symptoms ◽  
Treatment Expectancies ◽  
End Of Treatment ◽  
Pre Treatment

Abstract Introduction/Objective Expectancies about symptom improvement or deterioration are reliable predictors of symptom progression and treatment outcomes (symptom resolution or symptomatic improvement) in many (non-)pharmacological studies and treatments. This study examined predictors of symptom improvement after antimicrobial therapy for persistent symptoms attributed to Lyme disease, hypothesizing particularly pre-treatment expectancies regarding symptom improvement to be predictive. Methods A predictive study was performed on pre-treatment and post-treatment individual characteristics, including expectancies, and physical and mental health–related quality of life (HRQoL) from the PLEASE-trial comparing randomized 12-weeks of doxycycline, clarithromycin-hydroxychloroquine, or placebo following 2 weeks of intravenous ceftriaxone. At end-of-treatment (14 weeks after trial start) and follow-up (52 weeks), complete data of 231 and 170 (of initial 280) patients with persistent symptoms temporally related to a history of erythema migrans or otherwise confirmed symptomatic Lyme disease, or accompanied by B. burgdorferi IgG or IgM antibodies, were examined through hierarchical regression analyses. Results In addition to pre-treatment HRQoL, pre-treatment expectancies regarding symptom improvement were consistently associated with stronger physical and mental HRQoL improvements at both end-of-treatment and follow-up (95% CI range: .09;.54, p < .01 to .27;.92, p < .001). Post-treatment expectancies regarding having received antibiotics vs. placebo was associated with more HRQoL improvement at end-of-treatment, but not at follow-up (95% CI-range 1.00;4.75, p = .003 to −7.34; −2.22, p < .001). Conclusions The present study shows that, next to pre-treatment functioning, patients’ pre-treatment and post-treatment expectancies regarding improvement of persistent symptoms attributed to Lyme disease relate to a more beneficial symptom course. Expectancies of patients may be relevant to explain and potentially improve patient outcomes (e.g., by optimized communication about treatment success). Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01207739 (Registration date: 23–09-2010) Key Points• As there is currently no sufficient symptom resolution or symptomatic improvement for many patients with persistent symptoms attributed to Lyme disease, it is relevant to know which factors determine symptom progression and predict heterogeneity in treatment response.• Next to pre-treatment functioning, expectancies regarding symptom improvement and having received antimicrobial study medication are associated with a more beneficial symptom course after both shorter-term and longer-term antimicrobial treatment.• Expectancies are relevant to consider in treatment studies and may be useful in clinical settings to improve symptom course and treatment outcome (e.g., by optimized communication about treatment success).

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