Polymyalgia rheumatica -- diagnosis and management.

BACKGROUND

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a common inflammatory rheumatic disease and an indication for long term treatment with oral steroids. Its incidence rises progressively beyond the age of 50 years. For the most part, PMR is managed in primary care.

OBJECTIVE

This article highlights the main points in the British Society for Rheumatology and the British Health Professionals in Rheumatology guidelines that may be useful to general practitioners in the primary care setting.

DISCUSSION: Different levels of awareness of the condition between practitioners, and a lack of uniform diagnostic criteria may impede correct diagnosis and management of PMR. Updated international guidelines produced by the British Society for Rheumatology and the British Health Professionals in Rheumatology can aid diagnosis and direct treatment and disease monitoring.