Post-acute infection syndromes (PAIS), also known as infection-associated chronic illnesses (IACC) represent a category of illnesses that can significantly affect patients' lives, including conditions such as chronic Lyme disease and Long COVID, and a myriad of others. These conditions are characterized by persistent symptoms that linger long after the initial infection has subsided.
In our second episode from our podcast collaboration with
Raise the Line by
Osmosis from Elsevier, we highlighted the intricacies of these conditions and the challenges associated with their diagnosis.
The second episode of this series features CoRE's Director of Science Communication, Dr. Raven Baxter, who is joined by Dr. Shannon Delaney, Dr. David Putrino, and Dr. Amy Kontorovich.
Dr. Shannon Delaney, who works as a psychiatrist in private practice in New York City, underscores the stealthy and complicated nature of tick-borne and vector-borne illnesses, illustrating a broader challenge within IACC. This complexity often leads to diagnostic delays, which can span years, fundamentally impacting patient outcomes and quality of life.
Dr. Amy Kontorovich, an associate professor in Cardiology and Genomic Medicine, and Dr. David Putrino, Director of CoRE at Mount Sinai, both stress the need for better tests for pathogens and improved provider education for a patient-centered approach. Improved diagnostic tools are crucial for accurately identifying pathogens in the body and enhancing patient care.
Educating healthcare providers about the complexities of infection-associated chronic conditions is another crucial step. Everyone in the conversation agreed that providers must be trained to listen more carefully to patients and consider their entire medical history, including any recent infections that could be contributing to their symptoms. This holistic approach can help to identify potential causes of infection-associated chronic conditions and guide more effective treatment strategies.
A recurring theme in our discussion is the need for doctors to embrace uncertainty. The phrase, "I don't know," can be a powerful tool in medical practice, fostering a more honest and open relationship between healthcare providers and patients. This can also potentially lead to more collaborative problem-solving and a greater willingness to explore unconventional or less common diagnostic possibilities.
Patients' experiences provide invaluable insights into the lived reality of these conditions, which can inform better clinical practices and research priorities. Involving the patients in comprehensive dialogue can bridge the gap between clinical observations and real-world impacts.
You can watch the full episode below, or visit
Osmosis for the audio version and the episode transcript. By fostering collaborations between researchers, clinicians, and patients, the Cohen Center for Recovery from Complex Chronic Illness is paving the way for innovative solutions that improve patient outcomes and enhance the quality of life for those affected by IACC.
