2021 GCA Update article

[DRunnerchick]

link.springer.com/article/1...

In researching GCA, I came across this just published update that includes new research into pathophysiology, with great graphics, treatments, possible new treatments etc.

Hope this is helpful to explain things and potentially give people ideas on how to best work with their doctors on managing their conditions with science-backed solutions.

DRunnerchick

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Good article…..but the tapering regime for steroids is a tad optimistic- 6-12 months, even with steroid sparers.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to DorsetLady]

That is my only reservation - the 6-12 months bit that worked for 50% of subjects in the clinical trial with tocilizumab may not turn out to be as easy in real life. And of course. outside the USA no-one is getting TCZ for a first diagnosis, only later when pred hasn't worked as well as it might.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Thank you - duly bookmarked! I'm so shallow - love articles with pictures ...

[DRunnerchick in reply to PMRpro]

I love pictures too! This one had color illustrations and everything. Makes my brain 🧠 hurt less.😉

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to DRunnerchick]

A picture tells a thousand words - good writers use images, word ones too ...

[123-go]

Thank you for this. However, I have to admit that reading, or attempting to read scientific papers leaves me cold. Many words and phrases jump out of the page and are recognisable but as a whole I find myself skimming over whole sections.

Please know that I am in no way devaluing your contribution. I am simply owning up to the fact that I'm a hopeless case 😏. There will be many others who find these papers extremely helpful so keep them coming.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to 123-go]

I happily translate the nuggests from such stuff into people-speak ...

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to PMRpro]

That would be very helpful - I think some “switch off” if too medical (must admit I struggle & I do have some idea!) - whereas a simple explanation hits the spot!

[123-go in reply to PMRpro]

Exactly what is needed. I bow down to your superior knowledge. 😀

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to 123-go]

It's the language I have spoken for the last 50+ years - just ask if there is something you'd like to know ...

[123-go in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you. I will take another look (and perhaps another!) and go from there.

[SheffieldJane in reply to PMRpro]

I’d like to understand how the new drugs work, better.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to SheffieldJane]

Ah well - that is now above my pay grade!!!!

[123-go in reply to PMRpro]

Good morning, PMRpro.I've read the article again and have understood the more 'readable' parts. I still glossed over some of the scientific terms but overall I got the gist. It's good news that there is ongoing research into GCA and the efficacy of receptor inhibitors in its treatment but until there are definitive answers we are really just guinea pigs. If there were no guinea pigs there would be no movement forward so I'm happy to be one - albeit with some reservations. 😏

[SheffieldJane]

Thank you for sharing. My knowledge base benefited from the sections I understood. Glad the disease is receiving proper attention. It is not just a disease of those of advanced years - even here it says “ disease of the aged”. Not exclusively. Our own group shows this all the time.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to SheffieldJane]

Depends on what you classify as aged - we aren't young ...

[SheffieldJane in reply to PMRpro]

Anyone in their 50’s is a spring chicken to me.

[DRunnerchick in reply to SheffieldJane]

Jane— accordingly, should I be dancing about?😂😉 JK. I haven’t been dx’d with GCA (at least not yet…) but I get what you’re saying. I do poke fun at myself every chance I get though. Sure beats the alternative.😖

D🏃🏽‍♀️

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to SheffieldJane]

Just so ...