Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2025
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
7.2K
Updates in the Management of Giant Cell Arteritis
Aqil Baig1, Sana Gafoor-Haseeb2, Jay Goldsher3
1St James School of Medicine, A-1, Albert Lake Dr, The Quarter, 2640, Anguilla.
Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports
|June 24, 2024
Summary
Giant cell arteritis management is evolving. Newer immunosuppressive drugs, including biologics like tocilizumab, are reducing reliance on long-term glucocorticoids, minimizing side effects.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is an autoimmune vasculitis affecting medium to large arteries.
- It commonly affects individuals over 50 years old, posing risks of vision loss and other ischemic complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the latest advancements in the management of giant cell arteritis.
- To highlight emerging therapeutic strategies and guideline updates for GCA.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature and published guidelines.
- Analysis of trends in GCA pharmacotherapy, including glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants.
Main Results:
- High-dose glucocorticoids remain the primary treatment for newly diagnosed GCA.
- Immunosuppressive medications, such as methotrexate, leflunomide, and biologics (e.g., tocilizumab), are increasingly used.
- Guidelines recommend early introduction of steroid-sparing agents to mitigate long-term glucocorticoid toxicity.
Conclusions:
- The management of GCA is shifting towards earlier integration of steroid-sparing immunosuppressants.
- Targeted therapies like IL-6 inhibitors (e.g., tocilizumab) enable rapid reduction of glucocorticoid dosage.
- These strategies aim to improve patient outcomes and reduce the adverse effects associated with prolonged high-dose steroid use.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment
427
In open-angle glaucoma, the iridocorneal angle remains open, but the trabecular meshwork becomes stiff, slowing down the outflow of aqueous humor. This causes a buildup of aqueous humor in the anterior chamber, leading to a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. The treatment for open-angle glaucoma focuses on reducing the elevated intraocular pressure by either decreasing the secretion of aqueous humor or increasing its outflow.
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
427
01:26Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors and Calcium Channel Blockers
157
Receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are two critical categories of drugs employed in the treatment of pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH). PAH is a disease that causes high blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries, resulting in chest pain, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
TKIs, such as imatinib (Gleevec), are particularly effective in tackling the growth and mitogenic factors that become upregulated in PAH patients. These factors contribute to the...
TKIs, such as imatinib (Gleevec), are particularly effective in tackling the growth and mitogenic factors that become upregulated in PAH patients. These factors contribute to the...
157
01:20Myasthenia Gravis: Overview and Treatment
1.3K
Myasthenia gravis is a neuromuscular transmission disorder characterized by weakness and increased fatigability of skeletal muscles. It is an autoimmune disease affecting approximately one in 2000 people, where antibodies against the α1 subunit of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are produced.
These antibodies interfere with the function of the nicotinic receptors in three ways: by binding to the receptor and disrupting acetylcholine binding; by causing cross-linking of receptors which...
These antibodies interfere with the function of the nicotinic receptors in three ways: by binding to the receptor and disrupting acetylcholine binding; by causing cross-linking of receptors which...
1.3K
01:26Heart Failure Drugs: Inhibitors of Renin-Angiotensin System
420
The activation of the sympathetic nervous system and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) contributes to cardiac remodeling, and inhibiting the RAAS is a pharmacological target in heart failure management. As a result, neurohumoral modulation is a crucial treatment principle for managing heart failure. This approach involves using medications like ACE inhibitors (ACEIs), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), β-blockers, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs), and neutral...
420
01:24Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Biologic Agents: Anti-TNF
130
Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF), a proinflammatory cytokine, contributes significantly to the inflammation seen in Crohn's disease. It exists as soluble TNF and membrane-bound TNF, with actions mediated through TNF receptors (TNFR). TNFR activation leads to the release of proinflammatory cytokines, T-cell activation, collagen production, and leukocyte migration, all contributing to inflammation in Crohn's disease. Anti-TNF monoclonal antibodies, namely infliximab (Remicade), adalimumab...
130
01:25Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs
270
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition for which new therapeutic avenues, including anti-inflammatory drugs like mast cell stabilizers and anti-IgE treatments, continue to be developed.
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...
270