[Follow-up studies in polymyalgia rheumatica and temporal arteritis].
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the clinical course and duration of therapy in 28 patients with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and/or temporal arteritis (TA) for identifying factors that influence prolonged steroid use and relapses.


METHODS
28 cases of PMR and/or TA diagnosed from 1992 to 2001 were retrospectively studied in PUMC hospital. Patients were grouped according to the absence or presence of corticosteroid resistant and relapses.


RESULTS
Of 28 patients, 22 had pure PMR, 3 had both PMR and TA and 3 had pure TA. 15 patients received corticosteroid therapy and 13 had both corticosteroid and immunosuppressor therapy. The median duration was (25.5 +/- 24.0) months. Increase of white blood cell level and higher baseline erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were significant risk factors associated with corticosteroid resistant (P < 0.01). Quicker reduction of corticosteroid dose was associated with relapse (P < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Patients with increase of white blood cell level and higher baseline erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) are more likely to be resistant to corticosteroid therapy. Quicker reduction in corticosteroid is more likely to relapse. Immunosuppressor therapy should be added to patients who has corticosteroid resistant, and relapse or PMR associated with TA.
Li
Jun
J
Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, PUMC Hospital, CAMS, PUMC, Beijing 100730, China. linhlicyber@yahoo.com
Tang
Fu-lin
FL
Wang
Xiao-dong
XD
Yu
Jian-hua
JH
D000368:Aged; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003345:Corticosterone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D013700:Giant Cell Arteritis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011111:Polymyalgia Rheumatica / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012008:Recurrence; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D003345:Corticosterone