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Polymyalgia rheumatica (consider the option of sci advice for PMR related queries)

Update your RDS mobile app to v4.7.1 to download toolkits even when website is down.

We are pleased to advise that deep linking capability, enabling users to directly download individual mobile toolkits, has now been released on the RDS mobile app. You will see that each toolkit has a small QR code icon in the header area beside the search icon – see screenshot below. Clicking on this icon will open up a window with a full-size QR code and the alternative of a short URL for sharing with users. Instructions are provided.

You may need to actively update to the latest release - RDS app version 4.7.1 - to see this improvement.

Updating to this latest version of the RDS app is also strongly recommended to get the full benefits of the new resilience arrangements – specifically, that if the RDS website should fail, you will still be able to download new mobile app toolkits. To check your current RDS version, click on the three dots bottom right of the RDS app screen. This takes you to a “More” page where you will see the version number. To install latest updates:

On iPhones – go to the Apple store, click on your profile icon top right, scroll down to see the apps waiting to be updated and update the RDS app.

On Android phones – these can vary, but try going to the Google Play store, click on your profile icon top right, click on “Manage apps and device”, select and update the RDS app.

Please get in touch with ann.wales3@nhs.scot with any questions.

Polymyalgia rheumatica (consider the option of sci advice for PMR related queries)

GGC - Referral Management

PMR is a condition that can be diagnosed and managed in primary care

If there is diagnostic uncertainty then please refer or consider SCI advice.

Consider GCA symptoms and refer urgently as per GCA if present.

Rheumatology input may be needed in following circumstances

Atypical features or features that increase likelihood of a non-PMR diagnosis:

age <60 years
chronic onset (>2 months)
lack of shoulder involvement
lack of inflammatory stiffness
prominent systemic features, weight loss, night pain, neurological signs
features of other rheumatic disease
normal or extremely high acute-phase response

Treatment dilemmas such as:

incomplete, poorly sustained or non-response to corticosteroids
inability to reduce corticosteroids
contraindications to corticosteroid therapy
the need for prolonged corticosteroid therapy (>2 years)

Please refer to British Society for Rheumatology guidance on diagnosis and management of PMR

BSR and BHPR guidelines for the management of polymyalgia rheumatica | Rheumatology | Oxford Academic (oup.com)

Last reviewed: 28/06/2022

Next review date: 28/06/2025

Author(s): Consultant Physician and Rheumatologist.

Version: 1

Approved By: Referral Management Group