Salvarani et al identified risk factors for cranial ischemic events associated with giant cell arteritis. These can help to identify a patient who may benefit from more aggressive management. The authors are from Arcispedale S. Maria Nuova in Reggio Emilia, Italy.
Patient selection: giant cell arteritis
Cranial ischemic events (CIE) include:
(1) vision loss
(2) stroke or TIA
Factors associated with increased risk of CIE:
(1) hypertension (odds ratio 7.8)
(2) past history of ischemic heart disease (odds ratio 8.7)
Factors associated with reduced risk of CIE:
(1) high serum CRP levels (defined as > 5.38 mg/dL; odds ratio 0.31)
(2) systemic manifestations (odds ratio 0.30)
Systemic manifestations include fever, anorexia and weight loss.
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