Epidemiology of Polymyalgia Rheumatica: A Targeted Literature Review
Author(s)
Sarah Jane McKenna, BA, MASc1, Samprati Avasthi, MPH2, RAMAKRISHNA GEDDAM SRI, MBBS2, Jessica Commane, MSc1;
1Novartis Ireland Ltd., Dublin, Ireland, 2Novartis Healthcare India Pvt. Ltd, Hyderabad, India
1Novartis Ireland Ltd., Dublin, Ireland, 2Novartis Healthcare India Pvt. Ltd, Hyderabad, India
Presentation Documents
OBJECTIVES: Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory disease resulting in muscle pain and stiffness in the neck, shoulders, and pelvic girdle. While glucocorticoids are the standard treatment, approximately half of patients relapse within a year, highlighting the need for glucocorticoid-sparing treatments that maintain remission and offer a favourable safety profile. The objective was to assess PMR’s global burden and summarize the published epidemiological data.
METHODS: A targeted literature review was performed in February 2024 using Embase, MEDLINE, MEDLINE-In Process, and Cochrane library along with hand searches on key conferences. English language studies reporting prevalence, incidence, and risk factors of PMR were included. Study selection, data extraction, and reporting adhered to best practice.
RESULTS: 34 publications were reviewed. Prevalence estimates for PMR varied across studies. A U.S. study reported a prevalence of 701/100,000 population among those aged ≥50 years. In the UK, prevalence estimates for GP-diagnosed cases were 2.27% among those ≥55 years of age. The U.S. incidence of PMR was 63.9/100,000 person-years (aged ≥50 years). Among the age group at risk, higher incidence rates (per 100,000 person years) were recorded in European countries [UK (62.5), Italy (27.43), and Germany (17.7)] compared to South Korea (2.1). Incidence and prevalence rates were higher in females. Disease classification, diagnostic criteria, geographical and genetic factors may impact the variation in reported epidemiological data. Non-modifiable risk factors include advanced age, female gender, Caucasian race, and giant cell arteritis (GCA), while modifiable risk factors are smoking, raised diastolic blood pressure, and infections.
CONCLUSIONS: Limited population-based epidemiological studies and heterogeneous study designs and diagnostic criteria limit the ability to compare the existing data. As the population ages, PMR will likely increase in burden. Understanding PMR’s changing epidemiology is crucial for better management and early identification of at-risk patients.
METHODS: A targeted literature review was performed in February 2024 using Embase, MEDLINE, MEDLINE-In Process, and Cochrane library along with hand searches on key conferences. English language studies reporting prevalence, incidence, and risk factors of PMR were included. Study selection, data extraction, and reporting adhered to best practice.
RESULTS: 34 publications were reviewed. Prevalence estimates for PMR varied across studies. A U.S. study reported a prevalence of 701/100,000 population among those aged ≥50 years. In the UK, prevalence estimates for GP-diagnosed cases were 2.27% among those ≥55 years of age. The U.S. incidence of PMR was 63.9/100,000 person-years (aged ≥50 years). Among the age group at risk, higher incidence rates (per 100,000 person years) were recorded in European countries [UK (62.5), Italy (27.43), and Germany (17.7)] compared to South Korea (2.1). Incidence and prevalence rates were higher in females. Disease classification, diagnostic criteria, geographical and genetic factors may impact the variation in reported epidemiological data. Non-modifiable risk factors include advanced age, female gender, Caucasian race, and giant cell arteritis (GCA), while modifiable risk factors are smoking, raised diastolic blood pressure, and infections.
CONCLUSIONS: Limited population-based epidemiological studies and heterogeneous study designs and diagnostic criteria limit the ability to compare the existing data. As the population ages, PMR will likely increase in burden. Understanding PMR’s changing epidemiology is crucial for better management and early identification of at-risk patients.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-05, ISPOR 2025, Montréal, Quebec, CA
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S1
Code
EPH111
Topic
Epidemiology & Public Health
Disease
SDC: Musculoskeletal Disorders (Arthritis, Bone Disorders, Osteoporosis, Other Musculoskeletal)