E: Polymyalgia Rheumatic + Giant Cell Arteritis Flashcards
What is polymyalgia rheumatic
Autoimmune, Inflammatory, Rheumatic Disease
What age does PMR tend to occur and what is the peak incidence
Occurs in >50y
Peak incidence is 70-80y
In which gender is PMR more common
Female (3:1)
What is the aetiology of PMR
Combination of genetic and environmental factors:
- Genetic: HLA DR4
- Environmental: parvovirus B19 and adenovirus infection
What genetic factor predisposes to PMR
HLA DR4
What condition if PMR associated with
Giant Cell Arteritis
What % of patients with PMR will have GCA
10-20%
What are the musculoskeletal symptoms of PMR
- Bilateral shoulder, pelvic girdle and neck pain. (May start in one side - and progress to be bilateral in weeks)
- Morning stiffness >45m
- Nocturnal pain
What are the systemic symptoms of PMR
- Lethargy
- Low grade fever
- Malaise
What are the two investigations for PMR
- ESR
2. Creatinine kinase
How will ESR present in PMR
> 50
How will Creatinine Kinase present in PMR and why is this important
It will be NORMAL - this is important to differentiate PMR from other inflammatory rheumatic disorders
What drug is given to manage PMR
Prednisolone
What dose of prednisolone is initially given in PMR and how long is this continued
15mg/day. This is continued until symptoms resolve
Explain dose tapering of prednisolone
- 15mg/d. until symptoms resolve
- 12.5mg/d for 3W
- 10mg/d for 4-6W
- then reduce by 1mg every 4-8W until dose is stopped
What should anyone on prednisolone be given
Blue steroid card
What are 5 complications of PMR
- GCA
- Fibromyalgia
- Dermatomyositis
- Polymyositis
What is giant cell arteritis
vasculitis affecting medium to large sized vessels
which gender is GCA more common
female
which age is GCA typically seen in
> 50y.
Peak incidence of 70-80y
which heritage is giant cell arteritis commonly seen in
Northern European Descent