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What non-pharmacological treatments do people with polymyalgia rheumatica try: results from the PMR Cohort Study

Weddell, Jake; Hider, Samantha; Mallen, Christian; Muller, Sara

What non-pharmacological treatments do people with polymyalgia rheumatica try: results from the PMR Cohort Study Thumbnail


Authors

Jake Weddell



Abstract

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is common. The mainstay of treatment, glucocorticoids, are associated with significant adverse effects and many patients remain on high doses for a number of years. Little is known about the use of other, non-pharmacological therapies as adjuncts in PMR. The PMR Cohort Study is an inception cohort study of patients diagnosed with PMR in primary care. This analysis presents data on the use and perceived impact of non-pharmacological therapies from a long-term follow-up survey. Non-pharmacological treatments were classified as either diet, exercise, or complementary therapies. Results are presented as adjusted means, medians, and raw counts where appropriate. One hundred and ninety-seven participants completed the long-term follow-up questionnaire, of these 81 (41.1%) reported using non-pharmacological therapy. Fifty-seven people reported using a form of complementary therapy, 35 used exercise and 20 reported changing their diet. No individual non-pharmacological therapy appeared to be associated with long-term outcomes. The use of non-pharmacological therapies is common amongst PMR patients, despite the paucity of evidence supporting their use. This suggests that people perceive a need for treatment options in addition to standard glucocorticoid regimens. Further research is needed to understand patients' aims when seeking additional treatments and to strengthen the evidence base for their use so that patients can be guided towards effective options.

Citation

Weddell, J., Hider, S., Mallen, C., & Muller, S. (2022). What non-pharmacological treatments do people with polymyalgia rheumatica try: results from the PMR Cohort Study. Rheumatology International, 285-290. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00296-021-05036-6

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Oct 13, 2021
Online Publication Date Oct 22, 2021
Publication Date 2022-02
Publicly Available Date May 30, 2023
Journal Rheumatology International
Print ISSN 0172-8172
Publisher Springer Verlag
Pages 285-290
DOI https://doi.org/10.1007/s00296-021-05036-6
Keywords Polymyalgia rheumatica, Exercise, Diet, Complementary therapies, Surveys and questionnaires
Publisher URL https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs00296-021-05036-6