I have a question in relation to genetics and prevention

[copsham]

My mother had PMR really badly when she was 70 yrs old and responded well to Prednisolone. Now aged 85 yrs old has all the symptoms again. As there is a genetic component does anyone have informatio/ research re prevention

[Celtic PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hello copsham

Sadly I fear the answer to your question is a No. There is at present no known cause or cure for PMR so therefore no way of "preventing" it. It must be so very disappointing for your mother to succumb to PMR for the second time and I do hope that she will again respond well to the Prednisolone.

[Hidden]

Hi Copsham,

It is almost certain that PMR is an autoimmune disease that is inherited. Let us conclude then that we can put it back to sleep, but it is never cured. Prednisolone is a fabulous anti inflammitory drug, but carries baggage, i.e. side effects, as do most powerful drugs. It is the best we have to alleviate the symptoms of PMR, but does not cure the illness. It does, however, give us some protection from developing GCA, it's more dangerous form.

Your poor mother. I guess we all feel for her, but she's conquered it once and, because management of PMR is so much better now, she could do even better this time.

It's the luck of the draw when it comes to an inherited illness ---- maybe or maybe not. I believe my dad might have had PMR, but I can't be certain, although he was on steroids for his pain. It is a disease that is more common in the scandinavian races than any other. My dad was half Swedish and that gave me at least twice the chance of getting PMR. We Brits have a huge amount of the viking bloodline anyway.

There is so little known about PMR that, I guess, little is known about how to prevent it occuring.

Please try not to worry. It won't help and as it's quite a rare disease, you will probabley be fine.

Pats

[copsham]

Thanks for this information Pats

Regards Copsham