Prognosis of giant cell arteritis including temporal arteritis and polymyalgia rheumatica. A follow-up study on ninety patients treated with corticosteroids.

摘要: Ninety patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA) were followed 3-10 years after the diagnosis. The mean observation time was 63 months. Thirteen died. Corticosteroids administered to all but one patient; 35 still on treatment a period of 59 In 38 patients, 94 flare-ups disease recorded during corticosteroid treatment, most them occurring first year and when low dose prednisolone had been given. Thirty-three relapses, 76% within 3 months, occurred in 28 withdrawal treatment. One patient relapsed more than ten disease. Polymyalgia rheumatica common symptom flare-up or relapse, regardless clinical picture at duration should be individualized. is enough few whereas others need steroid therapy for four years. rate intercurrent complications GCA its low. No developed severe eye damage due GCA. mortality fact lower expected regard age sex.