Vasculitis & polymyalgia rheumatica
Rheumatologist assessment in established polymyalgia rheumatica
Authors' conclusion
Re-referral was common among patients with established PMR, and the risk increased with discharge shortly after PMR diagnosis. The diagnosis was revised in one-third of patients diagnosed by GPs, highlighting diagnostic challenges and supporting referral of individuals suspected of PMR consistent with current recommendations.
Study context
- Population
- Patients with established polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) referred to a department of rheumatology (2018–2024)
- Participants
- 98 vs 237
- Exposure
- PMR diagnosed by general practitioners (GPs) vs PMR diagnosed by rheumatologists
- GPsn = 98
- Rheumatologistsn = 237reference
- Outcome
- Indication for referral
Methodological detailssingle-centre
- Single-centre
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Uncertainty about primary diagnosis of PMR, GPs vs rheumatologists
51% vs 14%
P < 0.01
Relapse, GPs vs rheumatologists
27% vs 50%
P < 0.01
Recurrence, GPs vs rheumatologists
11% vs 31%
P < 0.01
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
PMR diagnosis maintained
P < 0.05
- Re-referral of discharged patients diagnosed by rheumatologists
- 26% · 52
- Re-referral of discharged patients diagnosed by rheumatologists: 52/204 discharged patients
Time from diagnosis to discharge, re-referred vs not re-referred (rheumatologist-diagnosed)
- Re-referred vs not re-referred, median
- 41 days vs 230 days, P < 0.01
Original publication
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