Musc Dis- Polymyalgia rheumatica Flashcards
1
Q
what is it and who does it affect? (2)
A
a relatively common chronic inflammatory condition of unknown etiology
affects elderly individuals (very rare under 50 years).
2
Q
symptoms (4)
A
proximal myalgia of the hip and shoulder girdles with accompanying morning stiffness that lasts for more than 1 hour.
symptoms tend to improve as the day goes on and with movement.
3
Q
diagnosis/ investigation (3)
A
no specific diagnostic test
raised CRP and PV/ESR.
4
Q
treatment (2)
A
low dose steroids (prednisolone 15mg daily) and this is sometimes used as a diagnostic tool.
Prednisolone dose gradually reduced over the course of around 18 months.
