The activity of rheumatic polymyalgia (RP) was assessed using simplified activity index (RPAI).
76 patients with a valid diagnosis of RP were treated in the Rheumatological Department of the Territorial Clinical Hospital #1; the clinical picture of the disease and its activity were evaluated according to RPAI, and the effect of glucocorticoids (GC) on the index was assessed.
All the subjects had a high RPAI at admission (32.8 +/- 0.8). After three weeks of GC therapy RPAI decreased significantly. The frequency of RP recurrence correlated with the absence of remission after lowering prednisolone dose.
Knowing the clinical manifestations and course of RP, the diagnosis is not difficult. However, for adequate treatment of patients the degree of disease activity needs to be assessed during monitoring, after dose lowering, and after prednisolone is discontinued.