Fast-track pathway for giant cell arteritis: Improved visual outcomes and reduced healthcare costs.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is the leading vasculitis threatening vision in adults aged ≥ 50 years; permanent vision loss may occur within the first few days after symptom onset. We assessed the impact of a fast-track pathway (FTP) for early diagnosis and treatment of giant cell arteritis in terms of hospitalization patterns and cost-effectiveness.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective, single-center medico-economic study of consecutive patients referred to a neuro-ophthalmology tertiary center between Nov 1, 2016, and Dec 31, 2022. GCA was defined by ≥ 3 American College of Rheumatology criteria plus a positive temporal-artery biopsy or vascular imaging. An FTP-24/7 access to internal medicine specialists, priority magnetic-resonance imaging, and protocol-driven co

SUBMITTER: Duron L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12677582 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature