Polymyalgia Rheumatica Flashcards
1
Q
define polymyalgia rheumatica?
A
an inflammatory condition of unknown cause, which is characterised by severe bilateral pain and morning stiffness of the shoulder, neck and pelvic girdle.
2
Q
causes of PMR?
A
- unknown
- genetic and environmental factors
3
Q
major association?
A
- Temporal arteritis
4
Q
what is the epidemiology of PMR?
A
- quite common
- often in people greater than 50
- peak age is 73
- common in females
5
Q
presenting symptoms of PMR?
A
- age >50
- symptoms longer than 2 weeks
- bilateral shoulder or pelvic girdle stiffness but no weakness
- worse in morning
- high ESR
6
Q
Investigations for PMR?
A
- ESR will be greater than 40
- creatinine kinase is NORMAL
7
Q
management plan for PMR?
A
- low dose corticosteroids (15mg)
- patients should respond dramatically
8
Q
what are the complications of PMR?
A
- temporal arteritis
- relapse
- complications of steroid use
9
Q
prognosis of PMR?
A
- 15% risk of getting temporal arteritis
- usually responds very well to steroids
- relapse is common
