Polymyalgia Rheumatica: Achieving Sustained Remission
Robert Spiera, M.D., highlights the impact of sustained remission on polymyalgia rheumatica treatment, emphasizing improvements in quality of life and steroid-related effects.
This is a video synopsis/summary of a Between the Lines involving Robert Spiera, M.D., and Dana McCormick, R.Ph.
In a comprehensive conversation between Dana McCormick, R.Ph., and Robert Spiera, M.D., the significance of achieving sustained remission in polymyalgia rheumatica treatment is explored. Spiera emphasizes the clinical importance of sustained remission, linking it to improved patient outcomes. Beyond validated outcome measures, achieving sustained remission correlated with reduced fatigue, neurocognitive issues and steroid-related challenges such as myopathy. The impact extended to minimizing hyperglycemia and osteoporosis, although not measured in the trial’s small sample.
The discussion delves into the broader context of glucocorticoid dose and its impact on patients’ quality of life. Removing steroids from daily lives allowed patients to reclaim their well-being. Spiera highlights the trial’s implications for older populations, stressing that even a cumulative prednisone dose of around 1500 milligrams over a year proved clinically significant.
Regarding safety, Spiera reassures about sarilumab’s profile, noting no major safety signals. While some side effects occurred, such as neutropenia and diarrhea, they didn’t lead to study discontinuation, and adjustments were made when necessary. The study’s focus on an older population provided valuable insights without revealing unexpected safety concerns, reinforcing the potential of sarilumab in polymyalgia rheumatica treatment.
This summary was AI-generated and reviewed by Managed Healthcare Executive® staff.
