Polymyalgia Rheumatica

Question 1

What is polymyalgia rheumatica?

Answer 1

An inflammatory condition which causes pain and stiffness in neck, shoulders, pelvic girdle

Polymyalgia rheumatica is characterized by bilateral pain and stiffness, typically worse in the morning.

Question 2

What is polymyalgia rheumatica strongly associated with?

Answer 2

Giant Cell Arteritis

This association highlights the need for careful monitoring for symptoms of Giant Cell Arteritis in affected patients.

Question 3

What patients are commonly affected by polymyalgia rheumatica?

Answer 3

Women, older age >50, caucasian

The demographic features suggest that polymyalgia rheumatica is more prevalent in certain populations.

Question 4

Do patients with polymyalgia rheumatica experience weakness?

Answer 4

NO WEAKNESS

Unlike some other inflammatory conditions e.g. polymyositis, weakness is not a typical symptom of polymyalgia rheumatica.

Question 5

What do blood tests show in patients with polymyalgia rheumatica?

Answer 5

Raised ESR, CRP, Plasma viscosity

These tests indicate inflammation in the body and are commonly elevated in inflammatory diseases.

Question 6

What is the management for polymyalgia rheumatica?

Answer 6

15mg Prednisolone OD, re-assess after 1 week
If no improvement reconsider diagnosis
Re-assess again after 3-4 weeks

Corticosteroids are the primary treatment to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms.

Question 7

What does the DON’T STOP mnemonic for steroids include?

Answer 7

Dont - Don’t stop abruptly
S - Sick day rules
T - Treatment card
O - osteoporosis prevention
P - PPI

This mnemonic serves as a reminder for both patients and healthcare providers regarding safe steroid use.