Low‐dose aspirin and prevention of cranial ischemic complications in giant cell arteritis

摘要: Objective Cranial ischemic complications such as cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs) and acute visual loss are among the leading causes of giant cell arteritis (GCA)–related morbidity. In this retrospective study, we evaluated effect treatment with low-dose aspirin on incidence cranial in GCA. Methods Charts 175 consecutive patients whom GCA was diagnosed between 1980 2000 were reviewed for medical data. Data 166 who followed up at least 3 months also available. Results At time diagnosis GCA, 36 (21%) had already been receiving (100 mg/day). all cases, indication heart disease. There no significant differences aspirin-treated non–aspirin-treated groups regarding mean age patients, male-to-female ratio, duration GCA-related symptoms, rates headaches, systemic jaw claudication, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, hemoglobin count, platelet count. Cerebrovascular risk factors (hypertension, hyperlipidemia, or diabetes mellitus) more common group (38.9% versus 20%; P= 0.03). Cranial 43 presentation: 30 loss, 11 CVAs, 2 both conditions simultaneously. Only (8%) presented complications, compared 40 (29%) (P = 0.01). Despite use steroid therapy, developed 14 longer. However, only 3% 13% treated prednisone 0.02). Conclusion These data suggest that decreases rate CVAs GCA.