Ricordi C, Pipitone N, Marvisi C, Muratore F, Salvarani C. Steroid-sparing agents in polymyalgia rheumatica: how will they fit into the treatment paradigm?
Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2023;
19:1195-1203. [PMID:
37480289 DOI:
10.1080/1744666x.2023.2240519]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION
Polymyalgia rheumatica is a common inflammatory rheumatic disease in subjects aged 50 years or older and classically presents with shoulder and/or pelvic girdle pain and prolonged morning stiffness. Glucocorticoids represent the standard of treatment; glucocorticoid therapy is usually required for 1-2 years and often results in significant glucocorticoid-related side effects, especially in the elderly.
AREAS COVERED
In this review, we aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the management of polymyalgia rheumatica, with a particular focus on adjunctive therapies to the standard glucocorticoid treatment.
EXPERT OPINION
Given the high frequency of disease relapses (one-third of patients) and the adverse events related to prolonged glucocorticoid use, the need for glucocorticoid-sparing agents remains an important issue in the management of polymyalgia rheumatica. In selected patients, who are at risk for glucocorticoid-related side effects or in those with glucocorticoid-refractory disease, the addition of a glucocorticoid-sparing agent, either a synthetic or biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug, may represent a reasonable and effective therapeutic approach.
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