Predictive Factors of Giant Cell Arteritis in Polymyalgia Rheumatica Patients.

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory rheumatism of the shoulder and pelvic girdles. In 16 to 21% of cases, PMR is associated with giant cell arteritis (GCA) that can lead to severe vascular complications. Ruling out GCA in patients with PMR is currently a critical challenge for clinicians.

Response to tocilizumab in rheumatoid arthritis is not influenced by the body mass index of the patient.

Objective: To assess the relationship between the body mass index (BMI) and the efficacy of tocilizumab (TCZ) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods: We conducted a retrospective study in 222 patients with RA followed by 5 centers. The European League Against Rheumatism response was evaluated at 6 months.