Management of difficult polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis: Updates for clinical practice

Publication date: Available online 23 May 2019Source: Best Practice & Research Clinical RheumatologyAuthor(s): Lindsay Lally, Robert SpieraAbstractPolymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and giant cell arteritis (GCA) represent a family of systemic inflammatory diseases occurring in adults aged 50 years and above. Clinical presentation of PMR/GCA can be variable, making diagnosis at times challenging. There has been an increased appreciation of the role of various large-vessel imaging modalities to help confirm a diagnosis of GCA. Systemic corticosteroids (CS) remain the mainstay of treatment for both PMR and GCA, yet both relapses and CS-related side effects are common. Recent research has demonstrated efficacy of certain biologic agents in these diseases, with particular emphasis on the role of interleukin-6 (IL-6) blockade in GCA. This chapter discusses the latest updates on the diagnosis and treatment of PMR/GCA, with an emphasis on clinical care.
Source: Best Practice and Research Clinical Rheumatology - Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research