Polymyalgia Rheumatica + GCA Flashcards
What is Polymyalgia Rheumatica?
Inflammatory condition that causes pain and stiffness in the shoulders, pelvic girdle and neck
Who is usually affected by polymyalgia?
Older adults
Women
Caucasians
What are the core clinical features of polymyalgia?
Bilateral shoulder pain that may radiate to the elbow
Bilateral pelvic girdle pain
Worse with movement
Interferes with sleep
Morning stiffness for at least 45 minutes
What are the differentials for polymyalgia?
OA
RA
SLE
Myositis
Cervical spondylosis
Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) of both shoulders
Hyper/hypothyroidism
Osteomalacia
Fibromyalgia
What investigations are carried out for polymyalgia?
FBC, U&Es, LFTs, TFTs, ESR, CRP
Calcium
Creatine kinase
RF and anti-CCP
How is polymyalgia diagnosis confirmed?
Clinical presentation and response to steroids
What is the treatment regime for polymyalgia?
15mg of prednisolone
Assess 1 week after starting steroids
Assess 3-4 weeks after- should be 70% improvement in symptoms
Start a reducing regime
What is DONT STOP in patients on long term steroids?
DONT- do not abruptly stop as this may cause adrenal crisis
Sick day rules- increase steroid does if they become unwell
Treatment card- alerts others that they are steroid dependent
Osteoporosis- prophylaxis with bisphosphonates and calcium + vitamin D supplements
Proton pump inhibitor- gastric protection with omeprazole
What condition is strongly associated with polymyalgia?
Giant cell arteritis
What is GCA?
Systemic vasculitis of the medium and large arteries
What patients are at higher risk of GCA?
Females over 50
What are the main features of GCA?
Severe unilateral headache around temple
Scalp tenderness
Jaw claudication
Blurred or double vision
Sight loss
Systemic symptoms
What is found on temporal artery biopsy?
Multinucleated giant cells
What investigations are done for GCA?
FBC
LFTs
CRP and ESR- raised
Temporal artery biopsy
Duplex ultrasound of the temporal artery
What is the initial management of GCA?
Immediately start steroids (40-60mg prednisolone per day)