1. PMG Patient Information Evening
12th March 2018

2. Contributors Becky Barratt (Community Pharmacist) Richard Thomson (GP)
Gerwyn Owen (GP)

3. Topics for this evening
Role of the Community Pharmacist
Common Childhood Illnesses
Polymyalgia Rheumatica and Giant Cell Arteritis

4. Polymyalgia Rheumatica(PMR) and Giant Cell Arteritis(GCA)
PMR is an inflammatory condition of unknown cause
Symptoms of severe bilateral pain and morning stiffness of shoulders, neck and pelvic girdle
GCA is thought to be related to PMR and 15% of those with PMR go on to develop GCA
GCA symptoms include headache, jaw muscle pain on chewing and visual disturbance

5. PMR and GCA Annual incidence is 84 per 100,000 in UK population
Almost exclusively in the over 50s with a mean onset of about 73
Female : male ratio approximately 3:1
Mainly a North European disease

6. PMR and GCA Investigations: Plasma viscosity/ESR/CRP show inflammation
Other bloods and urine tests to exclude other conditions such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Thyroid disease, Polymyositis, Malignant Disease

7. PMR and GCA
Both conditions respond to glucocorticosteroids- Prednisolone
GCA needs urgent treatment with biopsy so therefore specialist referral
Dose usually starts high and then reduced over time with monitoring of symptoms and inflammatory blood markers
Treatment usually for 1-2 years
Bone protection with medication

8. PMR and GCA Specialist referral when fail to respond Relapse is common
Local support group
Polymyalgia Rheumatica and Giant Cell Arteritis: a survival guide. 2nd Edition. Kate Gilbert ISBN:

9. PMR and GCA
Questions