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Giant cell arteritis

Prevalence
Clinical features
Differential Diagnosis
Investigations
Therapy
Prognosis
Prognosis

Relapses are common but decrease over time. Half are triggered by attempting to reduce the steroid dose. b  

The ESR or CRP alone do not usefully predict which patients relapse or develop complications, c so dose adjustments in steroid dose should be based on patient's symptoms. d

Long-term steroid use is common - mean duration of steroid use is about 2 years. b  

Vertebral fractures on long-term steroids are common. b
The risk of developing steroid-induced osteoporosis is increased with 

  • increasing age
  • lower lumbar spine or femoral neck Z scores

Complications are common despite steroids. c  However this is no effect on mortality. c

 

Expiry date: January 2004
Levels of Evidence used in grading these guides

Author   CM   Ball
Reviewer   M V   Kyle
CAT Writer   CM   Ball