Polymyalgia Rheumatica Flashcards
what other disease is strongly linked to polymyalgia rheumatica
Giant cell arthritis
both are very responsive to steroids
which demographic is mainly affected by polymyalgia rheumatica
F>M
>50
mainly Caucasians
what are the core symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica
bilateral shoulder pain (can radiate to elbow)
bilateral pelvic girdle pain
worse with rest
affects sleep
stiffness >45 mins in the morning
what are some systemic symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica
weight loss
fatigue
low grade fever
low mood
carpal tunnel
pitting oedema
how is polymyalgia rheumatic diagnosed
clinical presentation and exclusion of other condition
important to note if they respond to steroids (reviewed at 1wk an 4wks, if no improvement then unlikely)
may also see raised ESR, CRP and plasma viscosity
what is some important advise to give patients when started on long term steriods
DONT - stop abruptly
S - sick day rules
T - treatment card
O - osteoporosis prevention
P - PPI
