Megha Kaushik1,2, Cristina Ponte3,4, Susan P Mollan1. 1. Birmingham Neuro-Ophthalmology Department, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK. 2. Save Sight Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. 3. Rheumatology Department, Hospital de Santa Maria - Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, Centro Académico de Medicina de Lisboa. 4. Unidade de Investigação em Reumatologia, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The aim of this study was to present the latest advances in giant cell arteritis (GCA) care, and recent national and international rheumatology societies guidance which influences clinical practice. RECENT FINDINGS: Cranial ultrasound reduces diagnostic delay and improves clinical outcomes. Immediate high dose glucocorticoids remain the standard treatment for GCA. Controlled trial evidence using Tocilizumab, an interleukin-6 receptor antagonist, shows good clinical efficacy with steroid-sparing effects. SUMMARY: Improved patient outcomes require formalizing pathways to diagnosis and closer liaison with rheumatology for long-term management with second-line therapies.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The aim of this study was to present the latest advances in giant cell arteritis (GCA) care, and recent national and international rheumatology societies guidance which influences clinical practice. RECENT FINDINGS: Cranial ultrasound reduces diagnostic delay and improves clinical outcomes. Immediate high dose glucocorticoids remain the standard treatment for GCA. Controlled trial evidence using Tocilizumab, an interleukin-6 receptor antagonist, shows good clinical efficacy with steroid-sparing effects. SUMMARY: Improved patient outcomes require formalizing pathways to diagnosis and closer liaison with rheumatology for long-term management with second-line therapies.