How is Giant Cell Arteritis initially treated

How is Giant Cell Arteritis initially treated?

High-dose glucocorticoids are the primary treatment modality in GCA. Initial dosing is based on consensus/expert opinion, but a reasonable initial dose for those with intact vision is prednisone 1 mg/kg daily in divided doses. Those with threatened or actual vision loss at diagnosis should be treated with pulse intravenous glucocorticoids (methylprednisolone, 1 g daily × 3 days). Low-dose aspirin (81 mg/day) should also be used in all GCA patients to reduce cardiovascular events and blindness. High-dose therapy is usually sustained for about a month (or until ESR/CRP normalize), followed by a long-term taper (e.g., 10% of daily dose each week). Treatment usually lasts at least 6 months, and often up to 2 years. Many patients (up to 40%) may need low-dose prednisone indefinitely.

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