To end her talk, Dr. Mackie stated we must ensure research on GCA accounts for the diversity of patient groups. This includes looking at patients with GCA at either end of the age spectrum, ethnic minorities with GCA and patients in both rural and urban areas who suffer from the disease. Moreover, evaluating how the frequency of follow-up and access to healthcare affects patient outcomes will be essential to helping patients with GCA.
By applying the clinical pearls from this lecture to daily practice, rheumatologists can ensure patients with GCA are diagnosed in a timely manner and given the best possible care.
Jason Liebowitz, MD, completed his fellowship in rheumatology at Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, where he also earned his medical degree. He is currently in practice with Skylands Medical Group, N.J.
References
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- Soares C, Costa A, Santos R, et al. Clinical, laboratory and ultrasonographic interrelations in giant cell arteritis. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis. 2021 Apr;30(4):105601.
- Mournet S, Sené T, Charbonneau F, et al. High-resolution MRI demonstrates signal abnormalities of the 3rd cranial nerve in giant cell arteritis patients with 3rd cranial nerve impairment. Eur Radiol. 2021 Jan 13. Online ahead of print.
- Stone JH, Klearman M, Collinson N. Trial of tocilizumab in giant cell arteritis. N Engl J Med. 2017 Oct 12;377(15):1494–1495.
- Stone JH, Tuckwell K, Dimonaco S, et al. Glucocorticoid dosages and acute-phase reactant levels at giant cell arteritis flare in a randomized trial of tocilizumab. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2019 Aug;71(8):1329–1338. Epub 2019 Jul 3.
