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Science Forum Index » Medicine - Lyme Forum » "Panel members had no financial interests that could...
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| the 3rd Man... |
 Posted: Tue May 13, 2008 5:34 am |
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
No Conflict Of Interest
May 12, 2008
I'm disappointed and very concerned with the May 7 editorial
"Conflicts Taint Science."
Although The Courant has the right to state its opinion, it is vital
to make sure the information provided to readers is accurate.
The Vioxx case and others have generated a climate that makes it easy
to believe conflicts of interest in medicine are ubiquitous. But when
these conflicts do not exist, such accusations serve only to wrongly
undermine the public's confidence in medicine and the integrity of
their physicians.
The Infectious Diseases Society of America's Lyme disease guidelines
recommend generic drugs and generic diagnostic tests. Panel members
had no financial interests that could have affected, or been affected
by, recommendations in the guidelines. In fact, by recommending
against expensive, repeated, long-term antibiotic therapy, the panel
members denied themselves and their colleagues an opportunity to
generate a significant amount of revenue.
Furthermore, our panel members and the guidelines passed a stringent
review process before the guidelines were published.
We greatly appreciate The Courant's understanding that the medical
evidence does not support long-term antibiotic therapy. The panel took
extra steps to consider information provided by other organizations
and individuals to ensure the guidelines were relevant, accurate and
balanced. The recommendations reflect the preponderance of evidence
that the risks of long-term antibiotic therapy — including adverse
reactions, infections and the development of antibiotic-resistant
bacteria — far outweigh the unproven benefits. And we are pleased
that, by reaching an agreement with state Attorney General Richard
Blumenthal, the controversy will remain in a medical forum where it
belongs, and not in a courtroom.
Following the agreement, the Infectious Diseases Society's Lyme
disease guidelines remain in place and still represent the best
medical science has to offer patients with Lyme disease. Our top
priority is to ensure that patients diagnosed with Lyme disease get
medical treatment that will make them well.
We voluntarily agreed to a singular review of our 2006 Lyme disease
guidelines by an independent panel of physicians and scientists
because we hope an independent review will put the controversy to
rest. We are confident our medical recommendations will be upheld.
Donald Poretz, M.D.
President Infectious Diseases Society of America Arlington, Va. |
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