title: [Inflammatory rheumatic diseases in the elderly: rheumatoid arthritis and polymyalgia rheumatica].
abstract: Inflammatory rheumatic diseases with first onset in advanced age have some specific clinical features. Late-onset rheumatoid arthritis and polymyalgia rheumatica/giant cell arteriitis are the most relevant rheumatic diseases among older patients. They are characterized by acute onset, early functional impairment, and difficult differential diagnosis. First-line therapy usually consists of glucocorticoids. During long-term therapy, a spectrum of immunosuppressive agents and biologicals can also be used in elderly patients.
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Rheumatologie und Immunologie, Schön Klinik Hamburg Eilbek, Dehnhaide 120, 22081 Hamburg, Deutschland. wollenhaupt@rheumatologikum.de
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wollenhaupt
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment / Q000379:methods; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011111:Polymyalgia Rheumatica / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*
chemical_list: D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents