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Published on: July 5, 2017
Polymyalgia rheumatica in a defined elderly community
Abstract:
Responses to a symptom questionnaire, together with an erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) estimation, were used to screen for polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) in 247 elderly people receiving social services care. Three cases of PMR were discovered of whom two were previously undiagnosed. The prevalence of PMR in this study is higher than that estimated from hospital ascertained cases.
Insights
Screening elderly individuals using symptom questionnaires and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) tests identified polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). This study found a higher prevalence of PMR in community-dwelling seniors than previously estimated.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Geriatrics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory condition primarily affecting older adults.
- Accurate prevalence data for PMR in community-dwelling elderly populations is limited.
- Early diagnosis and management of PMR are crucial for patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) in elderly individuals receiving social services.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a combined symptom questionnaire and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) screening approach for PMR.
Main Methods:
- A screening study was conducted on 247 elderly individuals accessing social services.
- Participants completed a symptom questionnaire relevant to PMR.
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) levels were measured for all participants.
Main Results:
- Three cases of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) were identified among the 247 participants.
- Two of the three diagnosed PMR cases were previously undiagnosed.
- The calculated prevalence of PMR in this cohort was higher than estimates from hospital-based studies.
Conclusions:
- Combined symptom questionnaires and ESR estimations can effectively screen for polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) in community settings.
- The prevalence of PMR may be underestimated in the general elderly population.
- Targeted screening in social services populations can uncover undiagnosed cases of PMR.
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