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Updated: Aug 16, 2025

An Immunohistopathologic Study to Profile the Folate Receptor Beta Macrophage and Vascular Immune Microenvironment in Giant Cell Arteritis
06:35

An Immunohistopathologic Study to Profile the Folate Receptor Beta Macrophage and Vascular Immune Microenvironment in Giant Cell Arteritis

Published on: February 8, 2019

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Burden, Causes, and Outcomes of Hospitalization in Patients With Giant Cell Arteritis: A US National Cohort Study

Radjiv Goulabchand1, Alexander S Qian2, Nghia H Nguyen2

  • 1CHU Nimes, University of Montpellier, Nîmes, France, and University of California San Diego, La Jolla.

Arthritis Care & Research
|December 28, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) patients face frequent hospitalizations, with one-third readmitted within six months, often for infections or cardiovascular issues. Managing comorbidities and lifestyle factors is crucial for reducing this healthcare burden.

Area of Science:

  • Rheumatology
  • Internal Medicine
  • Geriatrics

Background:

  • Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a relapsing-remitting vasculitis often accompanied by significant comorbidities.
  • This condition frequently leads to repeated hospitalizations, increasing patient morbidity and healthcare costs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the hospitalization burden, risk factors, causes, and outcomes in a US national cohort of GCA patients.
  • To analyze factors associated with readmission and prolonged hospital stays in GCA patients.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized the 2017 US National Readmission Database to identify adults aged 50+ hospitalized with GCA.
  • Examined patient, hospital, and index hospitalization factors influencing 6-month readmission and total hospitalization days using binomial logistic regression.

Main Results:

  • 1,206 GCA patients were included; 34% were readmitted within 6 months, primarily for infections (23%) and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) (15%).
  • Higher Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), smoking, and obesity were linked to readmission.
  • GCA patients averaged 5 days/year in hospital, with the top quartile spending 19 days/year.

Conclusions:

  • GCA patients exhibit high rates of unplanned healthcare utilization, with one in three readmitted within six months.
  • Infections and CVDs are common readmission drivers, potentially linked to glucocorticoid therapy.
  • Population health management strategies are essential for this vulnerable patient group.
Abstract

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