Glucocorticoid boluses followed by tocilizumab in giant cell arteritis patients: effects on peripheral blood monocytes and lymphocytes.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) is the most common vasculitis in the elderly, characterized by granulomatous infiltration of immune cells in medium and large arteries. A therapeutic protocol that combines ultra-short glucocorticoids (GC) followed by tocilizumab (TCZ) monotherapy has been proven effective in GCA patients with extracranial large vessel involvement (LV-GCA). However, its effects on circulating immune cells are unknown. The aim of this study was to deepen the understanding of the immunological mechanisms behind this treatment regimen in patients with LV-GCA.

Methods

15 patients with active LV-GCA were included in this study. Blood samples were collected at baseline, after 3 days of GC treatment, at weeks 24 and 52 during TCZ monotherapy, and at week 78 a

SUBMITTER: Catellani C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11983418 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature