Tissue and serum markers of inflammation during the follow-up of patients with giant-cell arteritis--a prospective longitudinal study.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To evaluate the association between inflammatory markers and relapse in GCA patients longitudinally assessed in a clinical trial of infliximab and glucocorticosteroids.

Methods

Forty-four newly diagnosed GCA patients in glucocorticosteroid-induced remission were randomized to receive infliximab 5 mg/kg or placebo plus daily glucocorticosteroids, tapered using a standardized schedule. Sera were analysed for inflammatory markers at multiple, pre-defined time points. Temporal artery biopsies were performed in four patients before and after treatment to analyse changes in inflammatory and vascular remodelling marker expression.

Results

Thirteen of 44 patients relapsed. Similar proportions of relapsed patients were present in both treatment arms. ESR, CRP, interc

SUBMITTER: Visvanathan S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3198905 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature