Trajectory analysis of glucocorticoid treatment highlights issues in the current tapering strategy for polymyalgia rheumatica.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

To identify glucocorticoid (GC) treatment patterns in patients with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and explore patient profiles that may benefit from GC-sparing interventions.

Methods

This descriptive study was conducted using an electronic medical record database in Japan. We identified patients with PMR aged ≥50 years who were initiated 5-<30 mg/day of GCs with increased inflammatory markers. Group-based trajectory modelling (GBTM) was used to characterise GC treatment patterns over 52 weeks. We analysed clinical characteristics, including changes in GC doses, longitudinal C-reactive protein levels, immunosuppressant use and GC-related toxicities.

Results

Among 452 eligible patients with PMR, four treatment trajectories were identified: rapidly-declining (1

SUBMITTER: Tanaka Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12306314 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature