New International Guidelines Published for PMR and GCA

The European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) has released updated international recommendations for the diagnosis and management of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and large vessel vasculitis, including giant cell arteritis (GCA).

Developed by an international expert task force representing 13 countries, the recommendations place a strong emphasis on early specialist assessment, accurate diagnosis using imaging and other objective tests, and shared decision-making between patients and clinicians. The updated guidance also highlights the importance of minimising long-term steroid exposure through careful tapering and consideration of steroid-sparing therapies where appropriate.

For patients, these recommendations provide a clearer roadmap for best-practice care and reinforce the importance of timely diagnosis and ongoing monitoring. For clinicians, they offer an evidence-based framework that reflects the rapidly evolving treatment landscape in PMR and GCA, including newer biologic and targeted therapies.