title: Discontinuation of therapies in polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis.
abstract: Glucocorticoids are highly effective in treating polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis, but their use is associated with numerous adverse events. Therefore, it is important to use them for the shortest period of time possible. The published evidence suggests that discontinuation of GC is feasible in a substantial number of patients with polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis after an adequate period of treatment, provided that glucocorticoids are tapered gradually. Recurrences are relatively infrequent in polymyalgia rheumatica and somewhat more common in giant cell arteritis. Immunosuppressive agents may be used in patients with frequently relapsing or recurring disease to decrease exposure to glucocorticoids.
authors.affiliation: Department of Rheumatology, Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, Reggio Emilia, Italy. muratore.francesco@asmn.re.it.
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Muratore
authors.forename: Nicolò
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Pipitone
authors.forename: Gene G
authors.initials: GG
authors.lastname: Hunder
authors.forename: Carlo
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Salvarani
mesh_terms: D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D013700:Giant Cell Arteritis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D018579:Patient Selection; D011111:Polymyalgia Rheumatica / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D012008:Recurrence; D012074:Remission Induction; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D005938:Glucocorticoids; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents