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Updated: Jan 13, 2026

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

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Fast-Track Clinics and Visual Outcomes in Giant Cell Arteritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Tiago M B D M Beirão1, Catarina Rua1, Catarina Silva1

  • 1Rheumatology Department, Unidade Local de Saúde Gaia e Espinho, Porto, Portugal.

Journal of Clinical Rheumatology : Practical Reports on Rheumatic & Musculoskeletal Diseases
|January 12, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Fast-track clinics (FTC) significantly reduce permanent sight loss and visual disturbances in giant cell arteritis (GCA) patients compared to conventional practice. This approach shows promise for improving GCA patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Rheumatology
  • Ophthalmology
  • Clinical Medicine

Background:

  • Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a serious inflammatory condition affecting large arteries, primarily in individuals over 50.
  • Delayed diagnosis of GCA can lead to severe complications, including irreversible vision loss.
  • Conventional diagnostic methods may cause significant delays, impacting patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the effectiveness of fast-track clinics (FTC) versus conventional practice (CP) in managing GCA.
  • To evaluate the impact of FTC on visual outcomes and diagnostic timelines in GCA patients.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic review and meta-analysis adhering to PRISMA guidelines.
  • Included studies compared FTC and CP for GCA, reporting outcomes like visual disturbances, sight loss, biopsy rates, and time to diagnosis.
  • Statistical analysis involved pooled odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and random-effects modeling.

Main Results:

  • FTC was associated with significantly decreased permanent sight loss (OR: 0.31; p<0.001) and visual disturbances (OR: 0.58; p=0.04).
  • Temporal artery biopsy rates were lower in the FTC group (OR: 0.19; p=0.49).
  • The median time to diagnosis was marginally reduced with FTC but not statistically significant (OR: 0.96; p=0.83).

Conclusions:

  • Fast-track clinics show potential for improving visual outcomes in GCA patients.
  • FTC represents a promising strategy for GCA management that requires further prospective validation.
Abstract

Keywords:
diagnostic delayfast-track clinicgiant cell arteritismeta-analysisvisual outcomes

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