Glucocorticoid usage in giant cell arteritis over six decades (1950 to 2009).

Objectives: To evaluate the trends in glucocorticoid (GC) therapy in patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA).

Methods: Using a population-based inception cohort, GC therapy details were collected for all patients with GCA diagnosed between 1950-2009. GC usage for patients diagnosed with GCA between 1980-2009 was compared to those diagnosed between 1950-1979.