Comparing two antibiotics for treating Lyme meningitis in children

Comparative effectiveness and complications of intravenous ceftriaxone compared with oral doxycycline in Lyme meningitis

['FUNDING_R01'] · BOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL · NIH-10911066

This study is looking at how well two different antibiotics work for treating Lyme meningitis in kids, to see which one helps them recover better and feel good in the long run, and it involves children from 20 places in the U.S. where Lyme disease is common.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorBOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10911066 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the effectiveness and complications of two different antibiotics, intravenous ceftriaxone and oral doxycycline, for treating Lyme meningitis in children. The study aims to determine which treatment leads to better short-term recovery and long-term quality of life. It will involve enrolling children from 20 U.S. centers in areas where Lyme disease is common, and treatment decisions will be made by their doctors. Additionally, the research will gather insights from patients, parents, and clinicians to support shared decision-making regarding treatment options.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children diagnosed with Lyme meningitis.

Not a fit: Patients with Lyme disease who do not have meningitis may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer and more effective treatment options for children with Lyme meningitis.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies in adults have shown promising results with oral doxycycline, suggesting potential for success in this pediatric population.

Where this research is happening

BOSTON, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.