Ab1325 Five-Year Outcomes of 150 Patients Who Had Been Classified as Polymyalgia Rheumatica According to the 2012 Eular/Acr Classification Criteria

Background: The diagnosis of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) requires the exclusion of many inflammatory illnesses with arthralgia and myalgia in older people. Objectives: To determine long-term clinical outcomes after PMR diagnosis. Methods: The diagnosis of PMR had been made according to the provisional 2012 EULAR/ACR classification criteria during April 2012 – March 2016. A total of 150 patients (82 males; mean 73.6 y.o. at onset) were retrospectively followed-up. Results: 125 patients had started with glucocorticoids (GC), but 63 patients relapsed at median 9 month followed by increased GC, methotrexate (MTX; n=43) + tocilizumab (n=11). At five years, 93 patients (64%) were cured, but 32 patients were still receiving low-dose GC (n=28) and MTX (n=11). During 5 years, adverse effects requiring hospitalization included fragility fracture (n=15), infections (n=11), malignancy (> 2 years after PMR) (n=8), vascular events (n=7), and other conditions (n=13). On the other hand, 25 patients had been changed diagnoses from PMR to solid tumors (Conclusion: The 2012 EULAR/ACR classification criteria may be useful for the diagnosis for PMR, but caution must be required for mimics. To reduce GC-related side effects, approval of new drugs such as IL-6 inhibitors will be awaited. REFERENCES: NIL. Acknowledgements: NIL. Disclosure of Interests: None declared.