Diagnosis and Treatment of Polymyalgia Rheumatica / 대한내과학회지

ABSTRACT

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that usually affects adults over 50 years of age. It is characterized by pain and stiffness of the neck, shoulders and hips. Laboratory tests have shown marked elevation of acute phase reactants (ESR and CRP), but there is no specific test to diagnose PMR. Recently, the European League Against Rheumatism and the American College of Rheumatology jointly proposed a new set of classification criteria for PMR. The mainstay of PMR treatment is low-dose glucocorticoids (prednisolone 10-20 mg/day). patients with PMR usually respond very well to steroid therapy within a few days to one week, but will often relapse despite treatment.