How is PMR-AS calculated?

PMR-AS = CRP (mg/dL) × 0.14 + patient global VAS × 0.28 + shoulder pain VAS × 0.28 + hip pain VAS × 0.28 + morning stiffness VAS × 0.14; range 0-10; remission 7.

What is the typical prednisolone tapering schedule for PMR?

Start prednisolone 12.5-25 mg/day; if response, taper: 12.5 mg every 4-8 weeks to 10 mg, then 1 mg every 4-8 weeks to 0; typical treatment duration 12-24 months; relapse in 30-50%; steroid-sparing agents (MTX, TCZ) reduce cumulative steroid dose.

When should giant cell arteritis be excluded in PMR?

GCA occurs in 15-20% of PMR patients; temporal artery biopsy or PETCT/temporal artery ultrasound if: headache, jaw claudication, scalp tenderness, visual symptoms, or CRP very high; GCA requires prednisolone 40-60 mg/day (vs 15-20 for PMR).

What is the role of tocilizumab in PMR?

Tocilizumab (162 mg SC q2 weeks) was approved for GCA by FDA/EMA in 2017; evidence also supports use in PMR with refractory disease or frequent relapses; IL-6 inhibition is highly effective in PMR as IL-6 is a key pathogenic cytokine.

What is the risk of vision loss in GCA vs PMR?

GCA carries 10-20% risk of permanent vision loss (anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, CRAO); vision loss is rare in pure PMR without GCA; high CRP, jaw claudication, and visual symptoms warrant same-day ophthalmology referral and urgent high-dose steroids.

Polymyalgia Rheumatica Activity Score (PMR-AS) and Steroid Tapering Protocol

Calculates PMR-AS for polymyalgia rheumatica disease activity monitoring during steroid tapering, incorporating CRP, ESR, shoulder/hip girdle pain, and morning stiffness duration.

⚕ Clinical Disclaimer: These calculators are for educational and reference purposes only. Always verify results with qualified clinical judgment and current clinical guidelines. Do not use as a sole basis for medical decisions.

How to Use

Enter the values for the scenario you are assessing. Calculates PMR-AS for polymyalgia rheumatica disease activity monitoring during steroid tapering, incorporating CRP, ESR, shoulder/hip girdle pain, and morning stiffness duration. Use the pmr activity score result to inform your calculation.

Related Calculators

DAS28

Medical

ESSDAI Score

Medical Calculators

CDAI RA Score