Polymyalgia rheumatica-A  challenge in geriatrics : Interdisciplinary presentation of diagnostics and treatment

Z Gerontol Geriatr. 2023 Jul 31. doi: 10.1007/s00391-023-02211-1. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTPolymyalgia rheumatica is the second most frequent inflammatory rheumatic disease in people aged over 50 years, after rheumatoid arthritis. It is characterized by pain and morning stiffness in the region of the shoulders, hip girdle and neck. It can be associated with giant cell arteritis (CGA). Treatment with glucocorticoids is indispensable. The duration of treatment varies and often exceeds 1 year. The additive administration of methotrexate is an option for saving glucocorticoids. The biologicals tocilizumab or secukinumab are very promising alternatives. The course of treatment should be closely monitored for inflammation parameters, glucocorticoid side effects, pain, visual acuity, depression, activities of daily living and especially related to functions of the upper extremities. The geriatric assessment plays an important role in the management of this condition.PMID:37522895 | DOI:10.1007/s00391-023-02211-1
Source: Zeitschrift fur Gerontologie und Geriatrie - Category: Geriatrics Authors: Source Type: research