Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR)
- Low-dose oral glucocorticoid is first-line
- Response is usually rapid
- Taper slowly guided by symptoms + inflammation
- Screen continually for giant cell arteritis
- Methotrexate or IL-6 blockade can spare steroids in selected cases
- Avoid indefinite high-dose glucocorticoid therapy
Use at a glance
- Low-dose oral glucocorticoid is first-line
Choosing treatment
- Response is usually rapid
- Taper slowly guided by symptoms + inflammation
- Screen continually for giant cell arteritis
Treatment selection
- Methotrexate or IL-6 blockade can spare steroids in selected cases
Safety / pitfalls
- Avoid indefinite high-dose glucocorticoid therapy
Self-check
- What is first-line treatment for PMR?
Low-dose oral glucocorticoid. - Which long-term steroid strategy is avoided in PMR?
Indefinite high-dose glucocorticoid therapy.
Drugs used for this (2)
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