Treatment of Giant Cell Arteritis
Treatment of Giant Cell Arteritis
GCA treatment remains aimed at preventing further ischemic events, particularly vision loss. Corticosteroids are the effective and important treatment of GCA despite their well-known systemic complications. Adjunctive agents remain to be definitively established as beneficial. Prednisone initiated at 1–1.5 mg/kg/day with slow gradual tapering dependent on symptoms, signs and inflammatory marker control is the mainstay of treatment. Overall duration is months to years with relapses a constant threat.
Conclusion
GCA treatment remains aimed at preventing further ischemic events, particularly vision loss. Corticosteroids are the effective and important treatment of GCA despite their well-known systemic complications. Adjunctive agents remain to be definitively established as beneficial. Prednisone initiated at 1–1.5 mg/kg/day with slow gradual tapering dependent on symptoms, signs and inflammatory marker control is the mainstay of treatment. Overall duration is months to years with relapses a constant threat.
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