A 72-year-old woman has 6 weeks of bilateral shoulder and hip girdle aching with morning stiffness. ESR is 74 mm/h. She has no jaw claudication,

Question

A 72-year-old woman has 6 weeks of bilateral shoulder and hip girdle aching with morning stiffness. ESR is 74 mm/h. She has no jaw claudication, headache, or visual symptoms. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial treatment?

Accepted Answer

Low-dose prednisone and assessment for giant cell arteritis symptoms

Answer

Broad-spectrum antibiotics

Answer

Methimazole

Answer

Immediate joint replacement

Answer

High-intensity statin therapy

Polymyalgia rheumatica — ABFM Board MCQ

A 72-year-old woman has 6 weeks of bilateral shoulder and hip girdle aching with morning stiffness. ESR is 74 mm/h. She has no jaw claudication, headache, or visual symptoms. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial treatment?