Sex-specific differences in treatment outcomes have been observed in polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and temporal arteritis (TA), with a significantly longer course of treatment in women than in men. We analyzed whether these sex differences are related to differences in disease presentation and severity of the inflammatory response.
The records of 163 cases of PMR and/or TA diagnosed over a 15 year period were reviewed. A comparative study of clinical and laboratory features between men and women was performed.
Of 163 patients, 90 had isolated PMR and 73 had TA. Among patients with TA, 49 women and 24 men were identified, with a ratio of 2. While there were no differences in the frequency of classic disease manifestations, the presence of constitutional syndrome (malaise, anorexia, and weight loss) and fever were significantly more frequent in women than in men. Of note, evaluation of laboratory measures at time of diagnosis also revealed more marked laboratory abnormalities reflecting inflammation in the female group. Among patients with isolated PMR, 58 women and 32 men were identified, a ratio of 1.8. Comparing the clinical features at presentation, significant sex differences were also found, with a higher frequency of constitutional syndrome and lower values of hemoglobin in women. Moreover, women also had higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate values, and higher prevalence of fever and hepatic involvement, although the difference did not reach statistical significance.
Modest differences were found in disease expression between women and men with TA and/or PMR. In both conditions, the inflammatory response seemed to be more severe in women. The strong inflammatory response in women could explain the longer duration of treatment reported in this subgroup of patients.