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Updated: Aug 8, 2026
06:35
An Immunohistopathologic Study to Profile the Folate Receptor Beta Macrophage and Vascular Immune Microenvironment in Giant Cell Arteritis
Published on: February 8, 2019
[Corticosteroids in giant cell arteritis: primum nil nocere?]
D C Meola1, A Fierz, A Tschopp
1Augenklinik UniversitätsSpital Zürich, Schweiz. carlo.meola@bluewin.ch
Klinische Monatsblatter Fur Augenheilkunde
|May 18, 2006
Summary
Giant cell arteritis treatment with steroids frequently causes side effects like weight gain and osteoporosis. These adverse events are more common in patients with ocular involvement and women, impacting quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Internal Medicine
- Ophthalmology
Context:
- Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a vasculitis typically treated with corticosteroids.
- Corticosteroids, while effective, are associated with significant adverse effects.
- Understanding the prevalence and nature of these side effects in GCA patients is crucial for management.
Purpose:
- To retrospectively evaluate the incidence and types of side effects in patients with giant cell arteritis undergoing steroid treatment.
- To identify patient subgroups at higher risk for developing steroid-related complications.
- To emphasize the clinical implications of side effects in GCA management.
Summary:
- A retrospective study of 34 giant cell arteritis patients (24 with ocular involvement) over a mean 48-month follow-up.
- 90% of patients experienced side effects, most commonly weight gain (>50%) and osteoporosis (>40%).
- Side effects and severe complications were more frequent in patients with ocular involvement and in women.
Impact:
- Steroid-induced side effects are highly prevalent in giant cell arteritis, affecting patient quality of life.
- Ocular involvement and female sex are associated with increased risk of side effects and severe complications.
- Physicians must consider the high incidence of side effects, many of which are preventable or treatable.
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