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Polymyalgia rheumatica and the risk of stroke: a three-year follow-up study

Jiunn-Horng Kang1, Jau-Jiuan Sheu, Herng-Ching Lin

  • 1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.

Cerebrovascular Diseases (Basel, Switzerland)
|November 8, 2011
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) patients face double the stroke risk compared to those without the condition. This study highlights the importance of recognizing this heightened vascular event risk in clinical practice.

Area of Science:

  • Rheumatology
  • Epidemiology
  • Vascular Medicine

Background:

  • Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a common rheumatic condition in the elderly.
  • PMR is associated with vasculitis, potentially increasing stroke risk.
  • Understanding stroke incidence in PMR patients is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the frequency and risk of stroke in patients diagnosed with Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR).
  • To conduct a population-based case-controlled study to assess stroke risk associated with PMR.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 781 PMR patients was identified from Taiwan's Longitudinal Health Insurance Database (2001-2005).
  • 3,905 age- and sex-matched controls were randomly selected.
  • Stratified Cox proportional hazard regression analyzed stroke risk over a three-year follow-up, adjusting for covariates.

Main Results:

  • During the three-year follow-up, 14.47% of PMR patients and 6.98% of controls experienced a stroke.
  • PMR patients exhibited a 2.09-fold increased hazard ratio for stroke compared to controls (95% CI = 1.63-2.66, p <0.001).
  • The association remained significant after adjusting for socio-demographic factors and comorbidities.

Conclusions:

  • Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is significantly associated with an elevated risk of stroke.
  • This finding underscores the need for increased clinical vigilance regarding vascular events in PMR patients.

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