Polymyalgia reumatica Flashcards
Polymyalgia rheumatica
Polymyalgia rheumatica is an inflammatory disorder that causes muscle pain and stiffness, especially in the shoulders. Symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica (pol-e-my-AL-juh rue-MAT-ih-kuh) usually begin quickly and are worse in the morning. Most people who develop polymyalgia rheumatica are older than 65. It rarely affects people under 50.
You may receive symptom relief by taking anti-inflammatory drugs called corticosteroids. But relapses are common, and you’ll need to visit your doctor regularly to watch for serious side effects of these drugs.
Polymyalgia rheumatica is related to another inflammatory disorder called giant cell arteritis, which can cause headaches, vision difficulties, jaw pain and scalp tenderness. It’s possible to have both of these conditions together.
Symptoms polymyalgia-rheumatica
The signs and symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica usually occur on both sides of the body and may include:
Aches or pain in your shoulders (often the first symptom)
Aches or pain in your neck, upper arms, buttocks, hips or thighs
Stiffness in affected areas, particularly in the morning or after being inactive for a long time
Limited range of motion in affected areas
Pain or stiffness in your wrists, elbows or knees (less common)
You may also have more general signs and symptoms, including:
Mild fever Fatigue A general feeling of not being well (malaise) Loss of appetite Unintended weight loss Depression
Polymyalgia reumática pmr
Causes
The exact cause of polymyalgia rheumatica is unknown. Two factors appear to be involved in the development of this condition:
Genetics. Certain genes and gene variations may increase your susceptibility.
An environmental exposure. New cases of polymyalgia rheumatica tend to come in cycles and may develop seasonally. This suggests that an environmental trigger, such as a virus, might play a role. But no specific virus has been shown to cause polymyalgia rheumatica
Giant cell arteritis
Polymyalgia rheumatica and another disease known as giant cell arteritis share many similarities. Giant cell arteritis results in inflammation in the lining of arteries, most often the arteries located in the temples. Giant cell arteritis can cause headaches, jaw pain, vision problems and scalp tenderness. If left untreated, it can lead to stroke or blindness.
PMR
Risk factors of
Risk factors for polymyalgia rheumatica include:
Age. Polymyalgia rheumatica affects older adults almost exclusively. The average age at onset of the disease is 73.
Sex. Women are about two times more likely to develop the disorder.
Race and geographic region. Polymyalgia rheumatica is most common among whites in northern European populations.
Test PMR
Typically, your doctor will check the complete blood counts (CBC) and two indicators of inflammation — sed rate (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) and C-reactive protein.
Increasingly, ultrasound is being used to distinguish polymyalgia rheumatica from other conditions that cause similar symptoms. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can also identify other causes of shoulder pain, such degenerative joint changes.
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Corticosteroids
Polymyalgia rheumatica is usually treated with a low dose of an oral corticosteroid, such as prednisone. A daily dose at the beginning of treatment is usually 12 to 25 milligrams a day.
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Methotrexate - antiinflamatorio
Physical therapy
Corticosteroides side effects
Weight gain
Osteoporosis — the loss of bone density and weakening of bones
High blood pressure (hypertension)
Diabetes
Cataracts — a clouding of the lenses of your eyes
Corticosteroides bone loss prevention
Your doctor will likely prescribe daily doses of calcium and vitamin D supplements to help prevent bone loss induced by corticosteroid treatment. The American Academy of Rheumatology recommends the following daily doses for anyone taking corticosteroids:
1,200 to 1,500 milligrams (mg) of calcium supplements
800 to 1,000 international units (IU) of vitamin D supplements
