Musc

Question 1

What is the management plan for Giant Cell Arteritis?

Answer 1

• Suspected GCA:
  
  • 1st Line - 4 week oral prednisolone (gradually decrease)
  • If neuro or visual symptoms + IV pulse therapy
• Confirmed GCA
  
  • 1st Line - 4 week oral prednisolone
    
    • can be up to 2 years reducing dose
  • Consider asprin + osteoporosis management
    
    • Calcium carbonate, ergocalciferol + alendronic acid
• If recurrent + Tocilizumab/methotrexate

Question 2

What is the management plan for Polymyalgia Rheumatica?

Answer 2

• 1st Line - 4-8 week oral prednisolone, decrease dosage
  
  • Can be up to 2 years reducing dose
  • • calcium, Vit D and bisphosphonates
• 2nd Line - methotrexate + folic acid
• 3rd Line - Tocilizumab