Long-term Steroid Use in Polymyalgia Rheumatica

Viewpoint

This study illustrates that even relatively low doses of steroids may be associated with significant adverse events. The study has some notable limitations, including the absence of a control group to determine the rate of adverse events in similar patients who weren't taking glucocorticoids. Moreover, the investigators do not provide detailed information about the use of interventions to reduce complications of glucocorticoid use, such as modification of risk factors for cardiovascular disease. However, a take-home point from this study should be that patients with PMR on glucocorticoid therapy are at high risk for adverse events, and their providers should take special care to reduce this risk.

Abstract