Charlton, Rodger. (2008) Polymyalgia rheumatica and its links with giant cell arteritis. Clinical Medicine, Vol.8 (No.5). pp. 498-501. ISSN 1470-2118

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Abstract

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) was defined in 1957 and is linked with giant cell arteritis (GCA) in approximately 25% of cases. The peak incidence is between 60 and 75 years old and is increasing with the ageing population. Polymyalgia rheumatica is a clinical diagnosis without a 'gold standard' serological or histological test and there are other conditions that may mimic PMR. Treatment with a dose of 10-20 mg daily of prednisolone is suggested or 40-60 mg daily if GCA is also suspected. There are no absolute guidelines to the dose or its duration. The rate of reduction should be adjusted depending on the individual's response. Where temporal arteritis is suspected, this manifestation of GCA is a treatable medical emergency to prevent possible blindness, and steroids should be commenced immediately. There remain many unknowns in the cause, diagnosis and treatment of PMR and its overlap with GCA, and it is an ongoing challenge requiring further research.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	R Medicine
Divisions:	Faculty of Medicine > Warwick Medical School > Institute of Clinical Education (ICE) Faculty of Medicine > Warwick Medical School
Journal or Publication Title:	Clinical Medicine
Publisher:	Royal College of Physicians
ISSN:	1470-2118
Date:	October 2008
Volume:	Vol.8
Number:	No.5
Number of Pages:	4
Page Range:	pp. 498-501
Status:	Peer Reviewed
Publication Status:	Published
Access rights to Published version:	Open Access
URI:	http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/id/eprint/29199

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