| Disease |
POLYMYALGIA RHEUMATICA (PMR) |
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| Quotation |
“I don’t deserve this awards, but then I have arthritis and I don’t deserve that either” |
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| Definition |
A disorder of unknown aetiology, affecting older patients and characterized by stiffness and pain of shoulder and hip girdles, elevated ESR, and response to small doses of steroids. |
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| Prognosis |
Lasts between 1-5 years, and excellent prognosis if treated remits gradually, if left untreated. Has a tendency to relapse after mission. Steroids have to be tapered off slowly |
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| General Measures |
Gentle physiotherapy through range of motions when pain subsides, and if required. |
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| Advice to Patient |
To be warmed of possible steroid side effectsTo be intimated of symptoms of giant cell arteritis and advised ot contact physician immediately |
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| Follow Up |
Monthly initially, until tapered to maintenance, and then 3 monthly. Watch out for temporal arteritis features, in which case would need bigger doses of steroids. |
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| Inadequate Response |
If No immediate response, increase prednisolone to 20mg daily. |
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| Prevention |
Nil known |
