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JAMA Jun 2016Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and giant cell arteritis (GCA) are related inflammatory disorders occurring in persons aged 50 years and older. Diagnostic and therapeutic... (Review)
Review
IMPORTANCE
Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and giant cell arteritis (GCA) are related inflammatory disorders occurring in persons aged 50 years and older. Diagnostic and therapeutic approaches are heterogeneous in clinical practice.
OBJECTIVE
To summarize current evidence regarding optimal methods for diagnosing and treating PMR and GCA.
EVIDENCE REVIEW
MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched from their inception dates to March 30, 2016. Screening by 2 authors resulted in 6626 abstracts, of which 50 articles met the inclusion criteria. Study quality was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2) tool or American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association methodology.
FINDINGS
Twenty randomized clinical trials for therapy (n = 1016 participants) and 30 imaging studies for diagnosis and/or assessing response to therapy (n = 2080 participants) were included. The diagnosis of PMR is based on clinical features such as new-onset bilateral shoulder pain, including subdeltoid bursitis, muscle or joint stiffness, and functional impairment. Headache and visual disturbances including loss of vision are characteristic of GCA. Constitutional symptoms and elevated inflammatory markers (>90%) are common in both diseases. Ultrasound imaging enables detection of bilateral subdeltoid bursitis in 69% of PMR patients. In GCA, temporal artery biopsy remains the standard for definitive diagnosis. Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of large vessels revealing inflammation-induced wall thickening support the diagnosis of GCA (specificity 78%-100% for ultrasound and 73%-97% for MRI). Glucocorticoids remain the primary treatment, but the optimal initial dose and tapering treatment regimens are unknown. According to consensus-based recommendations, initial therapy for PMR is prednisone, 12.5 to 25 mg/day or equivalent, and 40 to 60 mg/day for GCA, followed by individualized tapering regimens in both diseases. Adjunctive methotrexate may reduce cumulative glucocorticoid dosage by 20% to 44% and relapses by 36% to 54% in both PMR and GCA. Use of tocilizumab as additional treatment with prednisone showed a 2- to 4-fold increase in remission rates of GCA in a randomized clinical trial (N = 30).
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
Diagnosis of PMR/GCA is made by clinical features and elevated inflammatory markers. In PMR, ultrasound imaging may improve diagnostic accuracy. In GCA, temporal artery biopsy may not be required in patients with typical disease features accompanied by characteristic ultrasound or MRI findings. Consensus-based recommendations suggest glucocorticoids as the most effective therapy for PMR/GCA. Methotrexate may be added to glucocorticoids in patients at risk for relapse and in those with glucocorticoid-related adverse effects or need for prolonged glucocorticoid therapy.
Topics: Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; Diagnostic Imaging; Drug Administration Schedule; Giant Cell Arteritis; Glucocorticoids; Humans; Methotrexate; Middle Aged; Polymyalgia Rheumatica; Prednisone; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 27299619
DOI: 10.1001/jama.2016.5444 -
Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases May 2018To develop evidence-based recommendations for the use of imaging modalities in primary large vessel vasculitis (LVV) including giant cell arteritis (GCA) and Takayasu...
To develop evidence-based recommendations for the use of imaging modalities in primary large vessel vasculitis (LVV) including giant cell arteritis (GCA) and Takayasu arteritis (TAK). European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) standardised operating procedures were followed. A systematic literature review was conducted to retrieve data on the role of imaging modalities including ultrasound, MRI, CT and [F]-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (PET) in LVV. Based on evidence and expert opinion, the task force consisting of 20 physicians, healthcare professionals and patients from 10 EULAR countries developed recommendations, with consensus obtained through voting. The final level of agreement was voted anonymously. A total of 12 recommendations have been formulated. The task force recommends an early imaging test in patients with suspected LVV, with ultrasound and MRI being the first choices in GCA and TAK, respectively. CT or PET may be used alternatively. In case the diagnosis is still in question after clinical examination and imaging, additional investigations including temporal artery biopsy and/or additional imaging are required. In patients with a suspected flare, imaging might help to better assess disease activity. The frequency and choice of imaging modalities for long-term monitoring of structural damage remains an individual decision; close monitoring for aortic aneurysms should be conducted in patients at risk for this complication. All imaging should be performed by a trained specialist using appropriate operational procedures and settings. These are the first EULAR recommendations providing up-to-date guidance for the role of imaging in the diagnosis and monitoring of patients with (suspected) LVV.
Topics: Europe; Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; Giant Cell Arteritis; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Positron-Emission Tomography; Radiopharmaceuticals; Rheumatology; Takayasu Arteritis; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Ultrasonography; Vasculitis
PubMed: 29358285
DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2017-212649 -
Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases Jan 2024To develop treat-to-target (T2T) recommendations in giant cell arteritis (GCA) and polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR).
OBJECTIVES
To develop treat-to-target (T2T) recommendations in giant cell arteritis (GCA) and polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR).
METHODS
A systematic literature review was conducted to retrieve data on treatment targets and outcomes in GCA/PMR as well as to identify the evidence for the effectiveness of a T2T-based management approach in these diseases. Based on evidence and expert opinion, the task force (29 participants from 10 countries consisting of physicians, a healthcare professional and a patient) developed recommendations, with consensus obtained through voting. The final level of agreement was provided anonymously.
RESULTS
Five overarching principles and six-specific recommendations were formulated. Management of GCA and PMR should be based on shared decisions between patient and physician recognising the need for urgent treatment of GCA to avoid ischaemic complications, and it should aim at maximising health-related quality of life in both diseases. The treatment targets are achievement and maintenance of remission, as well as prevention of tissue ischaemia and vascular damage. Comorbidities need to be considered when assessing disease activity and selecting treatment.
CONCLUSION
These are the first T2T recommendations for GCA and PMR. Treatment targets, as well as strategies to assess, achieve and maintain these targets have been defined. The research agenda highlights the gaps in evidence and the need for future research.
Topics: Humans; Giant Cell Arteritis; Polymyalgia Rheumatica; Quality of Life; Comorbidity
PubMed: 36828585
DOI: 10.1136/ard-2022-223429 -
Reumatismo Mar 2018Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is the commonest inflammatory rheumatic disease affecting older people. The current mainstay of treatment is long-term oral glucocorticoid... (Review)
Review
Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is the commonest inflammatory rheumatic disease affecting older people. The current mainstay of treatment is long-term oral glucocorticoid therapy. Management of these patients in clinical practice is often complicated by the presence of comorbidity. Comorbidity might be due to shared risk factors such as age, sex, or genetic background; to the presence of the disease itself; or to adverse effects of glucocorticoid therapy. Cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis/fracture, metabolic and ocular comorbidity are of particular interest to clinicians because of their relationship to glucocorticoid therapy and the relevance to clinical treatment decisions regarding glucocorticoid tapering. Patients at high risk of exacerbation of comorbidity by glucocorticoid therapy may be considered for adjunctive steroid-sparing therapies and thus may need specialist management. From a public health perspective, with the ageing population the prevalence of PMR is predicted to increase; accurate data on comorbidity will be needed for planning and delivery of healthcare services.
Topics: Aged; Cardiovascular Diseases; Comorbidity; Eye Diseases; Glucocorticoids; Humans; Metabolic Diseases; Neoplasms; Osteoporosis; Paraneoplastic Syndromes; Polymyalgia Rheumatica; Prevalence; Risk Factors; United Kingdom
PubMed: 29589401
DOI: 10.4081/reumatismo.2018.1039 -
Rheumatology International May 2023Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory joint disease in patients over 50 years of age with pain and prolonged morning stiffness in the shoulder and hip girdles...
Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory joint disease in patients over 50 years of age with pain and prolonged morning stiffness in the shoulder and hip girdles and neck. The lack of specific clinical findings, laboratory signs, biomarker and established imaging methods makes it difficult to diagnose patients with this disease. The aim of the systematic review is to present the literature data on the use of imaging methods for early diagnosis, assessment of disease activity and therapeutic response in PMR. At the same time, the advantages, disadvantages and contraindications of each method are considered. A literature search was carried out in PubMed and Scopus up to June 2022. Studies were selected that met the following criteria: (1) English language publications in peer-reviewed journals, (2) cohort or case-control studies and a series of more than five clinical cases, (3) studies of newly diagnosed or suspected PMR patients according to classification criteria or expert opinion, (4) imaging evaluation of articular, extraarticular and vascular impairment in PMR. Out of a total of 1431 publications, 61 articles were selected, which differed in the imaging techniques used: radiography (5), scintigraphy (4), magnetic resonance imaging (14), PET/CT (14) and ultrasound (24). Prevalence of extraarticular involvement (tendons, entheses and bursae) was identified in patients with PMR. In a significant number of cases, subclinical vasculitis of the large vessels was found, confirming the common pathogenetic pathways of the two diseases. The diagnostic, therapeutic and prognostic potential of imaging methods in PMR has been relatively poorly studied and remains to be clarified.
Topics: Humans; Middle Aged; Polymyalgia Rheumatica; Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography; Giant Cell Arteritis; Pain; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 36853338
DOI: 10.1007/s00296-023-05284-8 -
Neurology India 2016Several chronic inflammatory disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus, have been linked to an increased risk of cerebrovascular accident... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Several chronic inflammatory disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus, have been linked to an increased risk of cerebrovascular accident (CVA), but the data on polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) remains unclear.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies that reported odds ratio, relative risk, hazard ratio, or standardized incidence ratio comparing the risk of CVA in patients with PMR versus non-PMR controls. Pooled risk ratio and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using a random-effect, generic inverse variance method of DerSimonian and Laird.
RESULTS
Three retrospective cohort studies and one cross-sectional study were identified and included in the data analysis. We found a significantly elevated CVA risk in patients with PMR, with the pooled risk ratio of 1.87 (95% CI, 1.43-2.43). The statistical heterogeneity was high, with an I2 of 91%.
CONCLUSIONS
Our study demonstrated a statistically significantly increased CVA risk among patients with PMR.
Topics: Humans; Observational Studies as Topic; Polymyalgia Rheumatica; Risk Factors; Stroke
PubMed: 27625227
DOI: 10.4103/0028-3886.190273 -
Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism Dec 2023Prompt diagnosis and treatment of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is crucial to prevent long-term complications and improve patient outcomes. However, there is currently no... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Prompt diagnosis and treatment of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is crucial to prevent long-term complications and improve patient outcomes. However, there is currently no standardized approach to referral of suspected PMR patients to rheumatologists, leading to inconsistent management practices. The objective of this systematic review was to clarify the existing evidence regarding the following aspects of early management strategies in patients with suspected PMR: diagnostic strategies, GCA screening, glucocorticoid initiation prior to referral, value of shared care and value of fast track clinic.
METHODS
Two authors performed a systematic literature search, data extraction and risk of bias assessment independently. The literature search was conducted in Embase, MEDLINE (PubMed) and Cochrane. Studies were included if they contained cohorts of suspected PMR patients and evaluated the efficacy of different diagnostic strategies for PMR, screening for giant cell arteritis (GCA), starting glucocorticoids before referral to secondary care, shared care, or fast-track clinics.
RESULTS
From 2,437 records excluding duplicates, 14 studies met the inclusion criteria. Among these, 10 studies investigated the diagnostic accuracy of various diagnostic strategies with the majority evaluating different clinical approaches, but none of them showed consistently high performance. However, 4 studies on shared care and fast-track clinics showed promising results, including reduced hospitalization rates, lower starting doses of glucocorticoids, and faster PMR diagnosis.
CONCLUSION
This review emphasizes the sparse evidence of early management and referral strategies for patients with suspected PMR. Additionally, screening and diagnostic strategies for differentiating PMR from other diseases, including concurrent GCA, require clarification. Fast-track clinics may have potential to aid patients with PMR in the future, but studies will be needed to determine the appropriate pre-referral work-up.
Topics: Humans; Giant Cell Arteritis; Polymyalgia Rheumatica; Glucocorticoids; Referral and Consultation
PubMed: 37639896
DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2023.152260 -
The Journal of Rheumatology Dec 2015To identify the instruments used to assess polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) in published studies. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To identify the instruments used to assess polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) in published studies.
METHODS
A systematic literature review of clinical trials and longitudinal observational studies related to PMR, published from 1970 to 2014, was carried out. All outcome and assessment instruments were extracted and categorized according to core areas and domains, as defined by the OMERACT (Outcome Measures in Rheumatology) Filter 2.0.
RESULTS
Thirty-five articles (3221 patients) were included: 12 randomized controlled trials (RCT); 3 nonrandomized trials; and 20 observational studies. More than 20 domains were identified, measured by 29 different instruments. The most frequently used measures were pain, morning stiffness, patient global assessment and physician global assessment, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein. The definition of outcomes varied considerably between studies.
CONCLUSION
The outcome measures and instruments used in PMR are numerous and diversely defined. The establishment of a core set of validated and standardized outcome measurements is needed.
Topics: Activities of Daily Living; Antirheumatic Agents; Blood Sedimentation; C-Reactive Protein; Consensus Development Conferences as Topic; Controlled Clinical Trials as Topic; Female; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Male; Observational Studies as Topic; Outcome Assessment, Health Care; Pain Measurement; Polymyalgia Rheumatica; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Quality of Life; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Risk Assessment; Severity of Illness Index
PubMed: 26568600
DOI: 10.3899/jrheum.150515 -
Rheumatology International Jan 2017Several chronic inflammatory disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus, are associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Several chronic inflammatory disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus, are associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) as a result of accelerated atherosclerosis. However, the data on CAD risk of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), one of the most common chronic inflammatory disorders in older adults, remain unclear due to limited number of epidemiological studies. To further investigate this possible association, this systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies was performed to compare the risk of CAD in patients with PMR versus subjects without it. Published studies indexed in MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched from inception to April 2016 using the terms "polymyalgia rheumatica" combined with the terms for CAD. The inclusion criteria were: (1) observational studies published as original studies to evaluate the risk of CAD among patients with PMR; (2) published odds ratios, relative risk or hazard ratio or standardized incidence ratio with 95 % confidence intervals (CI) in the studies; and (3) subjects without PMR were used as comparators in cohort studies and cross-sectional studies, while subjects without CAD were used as comparators in case-control studies. Point estimates and standard errors were extracted from individual studies and were combined by the generic inverse variance method of DerSimonian and Laird. Four studies with 34,569 patients with PMR were identified and included in this meta-analysis. The pooled risk ratio of CAD in patients with PMR was 1.72 (95 % CI 1.21-2.45). The statistical heterogeneity of this meta-analysis was high with an I of 97 %.
Topics: Coronary Artery Disease; Humans; Incidence; Polymyalgia Rheumatica; Risk
PubMed: 27577940
DOI: 10.1007/s00296-016-3557-5 -
Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism Oct 2020Giant cell arteritis (GCA; sometimes referred to as temporal arteritis) and polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) are common and interrelated inflammatory conditions that almost... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Giant cell arteritis (GCA; sometimes referred to as temporal arteritis) and polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) are common and interrelated inflammatory conditions that almost exclusively affect adults older than 50 years. There is a need for updated information on the epidemiology of these diseases.
OBJECTIVE
This systematic literature review (SLR) aims to summarize current evidence regarding the global incidence and prevalence of GCA and PMR.
METHODOLOGY
A systematic search of PubMed and Google Scholar databases from their inception dates to July 30, 2019 for relevant publications was performed. Studies that reported incidence and/or prevalence estimates for GCA and/or PMR were identified. When there were multiple studies of the same population, the most recent estimates were used. Details on source populations and case validation were systematically reviewed. Results were tabulated per region in the world.
RESULTS
Screening by 2 authors resulted in 2643 abstracts, of which 77 articles met the inclusion criteria. There were more studies on GCA compared to PMR, and more on incidence than on prevalence. Wide variations were found in study design and populations studied. Studies that included a thorough case validation tended to give lower estimates, in particular for PMR. The highest incidence per 100 000 aged ≥50 years of GCA was observed in studies from Scandinavia and the UK (14.6 to 43.6), and in Minnesota, USA (19.8 per 100 000). Corresponding estimates for Southern Europe were lower (1.1 to 11.1). Limited evidence indicates that GCA and PMR is less common in non-Caucasian populations. Prevalence estimates for PMR were ≥ 3 times higher than that of GCA in Caucasians.
CONCLUSION
This SLR provides up to date estimates of the occurrence of GCA and PMR in different populations around the world. The incidence of GCA is higher in populations of Northern European ancestry. Data on the epidemiology of PMR are more limited, with greater variation in incidence and prevalence estimates.
Topics: Databases, Factual; Giant Cell Arteritis; Humans; Incidence; Polymyalgia Rheumatica; Prevalence
PubMed: 32911281
DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2020.07.005