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Effective control of polymyalgia rheumatica with tocilizumab
Abdulrahman Al Rashidi1, Mohamed Osama Hegazi, Shaimaa A Mohammad
1From the Al Adan Hospital, Ahmadi, Kuwait.
Summary
Glucocorticoids are standard for polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), but tocilizumab (TCZ) shows promise for patients intolerant to these or other treatments. This case study highlights TCZ
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Glucocorticoids (GCs) are the primary treatment for polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR).
- Disease relapses and adverse effects necessitate second-line therapies, which often have limited efficacy.
Observation:
- A PMR patient experienced GC-induced adverse effects, leading to treatment cessation.
- Neither methotrexate nor etanercept provided adequate disease control.
Findings:
- Tocilizumab (TCZ), an interleukin-6 receptor inhibitor, was administered.
- TCZ treatment resulted in significant improvement in clinical and biochemical markers of PMR activity.
- The patient achieved sustained remission for one year without adverse events.
Implications:
- Tocilizumab demonstrates potential as an effective therapeutic option for PMR patients refractory to or intolerant of GCs and other second-line agents.
- Further research is warranted to establish optimal indications and treatment duration for TCZ in PMR management.
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