[Clinical features in patients with polymyalgia rheumatica]

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.