Polymyalgia Rheumatica

Question 1

What is polymyalgia rheumatica?

Answer 1

A relatively common chronic inflammatory condition of unknown eitology that affects elderly individuals (very rare under 50)

Question 2

Presentation of polymyalgia rheumatica

Answer 2

Proximal myalgia of the hip and shoulder girdles
Accompanying morning stiffness that lasts for more than 1 hour
Symptoms improve with movement and as the day goes on

Question 3

Tests for polymyalgia rheumatica

Answer 3

Raised CRP

Raised PV/ESR

Question 4

Associated conditions with polymyalgia rheumatica

Answer 4

Giant cell arthritis (approx. 15% of patients with PMR)

Question 5

Treatment of polymyalgia rheumatica

Answer 5

Prednisolone 15mg daily
Dose gradually reduced over a course of 18 months aiming for resolution of the condition, which does occur in the majority of cases.