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[Clinical features in patients with polymyalgia rheumatica]

Yoko Aoki1, Masahiro Iwamoto, Seiji Minota

  • 1Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan.

Nihon Rinsho Men'Eki Gakkai Kaishi = Japanese Journal of Clinical Immunology
|September 2, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) primarily affects the elderly, causing muscle pain and stiffness. This study details PMR patient characteristics, noting infrequent progression to rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Area of Science:

  • Rheumatology
  • Internal Medicine
  • Clinical Research

Context:

  • Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory condition impacting the elderly, presenting diagnostic challenges with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and vasculitis.
  • Understanding PMR's clinical spectrum is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.

Purpose:

  • This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical characteristics of patients diagnosed with PMR.
  • To better define the presentation and clinical course of PMR in a hospital setting.

Summary:

  • The study reviewed 44 PMR patients, median age 71, with no sex predilection. Proximal and distal pain occurred in 34%, and arthritis in 36%. Temporal arteritis (TA) was rare (3 patients).
  • Mean serum CRP was 8.18 mg/dL; rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP antibodies were mostly negative. Prednisolone was the primary treatment, with no need for immunosuppressants. No patients progressed to RA within 6 months.
  • Serum MMP-3 levels were higher in females. Progression from PMR to RA, though reported, occurred over 1-5 years.

Impact:

  • Provides valuable data on PMR's clinical presentation, comorbidities, and treatment response.
  • Highlights the low incidence of progression to RA in the short term, aiding differential diagnosis.
  • Contributes to the understanding of PMR's heterogeneity and its distinction from other rheumatic diseases.

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