Polymyalgia Rheumatica

Question 1

what type of condition is this

Answer 1

chronic inflammatory

Question 2

what age group does it commonly affect

Answer 2

elderly

rare under 50

Question 3

where is the pain characteristically

Answer 3

proximal myalgia of the hip and shoulder girdle

Question 4

is morning stiffness common

Answer 4

yes

Question 5

how long does the morning stiffness tend to last

Answer 5

over an hour

Question 6

what percentage of patients with polymyalgia rheumatica develop giant cell arteritis

Answer 6

15%

Question 7

what percentage of patients with giant cell arteritis also have polymyalgia rheumatica

Answer 7

40-50%

Question 8

is there a diagnostic test for PMR

Answer 8

no

Question 9

what tests results are associated with PMR

Answer 9

raised CRP and PV/ESR

Question 10

what do symptoms respond very well to to the point it can be diagnostic

Answer 10

low dose steroids (prednisolone 15mg daily)

Question 11

what is the time period for reducing the dose of prednisolone

Answer 11

18 months

majority of cases resolved in this time