Polymyalgia rheumatica Flashcards
1
Q
What?
A
Chronic inflammatory condition
Assoc. with GCA
Linked to HLA- DR4
2
Q
Who?
A
Women
Over 50’s
Temporal/ GC arteritis
3
Q
Clinical features?
A
Proximal myalgia (ache of hip and shoulder girdles) Morning stiffness >1 hour Symptoms improve as day goes on Symmetrical Fatigue, anorexia, weight loss, fever Reduced movement of shoulders, neck, hip Normal muscle strength (or pain limited)
4
Q
Diagnosis?
A
No specific test
Raised CRP & PV/ ESR
5
Q
Management?
A
Low dose steroids - prednisolone 15mg daily
Reduce does over 18 months & should resolve
6
Q
What is an additional diagnostic tool?
A
Response to prednisolone
7
Q
What do patients report?
A
Inability to turn in bed or stand from sitting
Or raise their arms above their head to e.g. brush hair
