Assessment and management of polymyalgia rheumatica in older adults

Geriatr Nurs. 2001 May-Jun;22(3):152-5; quiz 155. doi: 10.1067/mgn.2001.116377.

Abstract

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a periarticular rheumatic condition characterized by pain and stiffness, primarily in the neck, shoulders, hips, and pelvic girdle. Temporal arteritis (TA) or giant cell arteritis, the most common primary vasculitis in older adults, is found in approximately 10% to 30% of people who have PMR. Left untreated, TA can result in sudden, irreversible blindness. Geriatric nurses need to familiarize themselves with these disorders to accurately assess and manage people with them.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use
  • Blindness / etiology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Giant Cell Arteritis / complications
  • Giant Cell Arteritis / diagnosis
  • Giant Cell Arteritis / drug therapy
  • Giant Cell Arteritis / nursing*
  • Humans
  • Nursing Assessment / methods*
  • Polymyalgia Rheumatica / complications
  • Polymyalgia Rheumatica / diagnosis
  • Polymyalgia Rheumatica / drug therapy
  • Polymyalgia Rheumatica / nursing*
  • Prednisone / therapeutic use
  • Recurrence

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Prednisone