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Acute phase reactants in the initial phase of giant cell arteritis
Acta Medica Scandinavica
|January 1, 1986
Summary
For giant cell arteritis (GCA) treatment, C-reactive protein (CRP) and fibrinogen normalized quickly. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) also decreased, making it sufficient for monitoring initial corticosteroid therapy.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Internal Medicine
- Clinical Immunology
Background:
- Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a systemic vasculitis requiring prompt immunosuppression.
- Monitoring treatment response is crucial for managing GCA and preventing complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the kinetics of inflammatory markers during initial corticosteroid treatment for GCA.
- To determine the most reliable marker for monitoring early treatment response in GCA patients.
Main Methods:
- Prospective weekly monitoring of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen, and haptoglobin.
- 18 patients with 19 episodes of GCA receiving initial corticosteroid therapy were included.
Main Results:
- Fibrinogen and CRP showed the most rapid decrease, with 67% of patients achieving normal levels within two weeks.
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) normalized in 56% after two weeks and 76% after five weeks.
- Haptoglobin normalized slowest, with only 29% of patients having normal levels after two weeks and 75% after six weeks.
Conclusions:
- While CRP and fibrinogen decrease rapidly, ESR is a sufficient and reliable marker for monitoring initial corticosteroid treatment in GCA.
- Haptoglobin is the slowest normalizing marker and may be less useful for early treatment assessment.