Systemic corticosteroids for giant cell arteritis
For an overview of high-dose systemic corticosteroid use for management of vasculitis, see Intensive induction therapy for severe systemic vasculitides.
Note: High-dose systemic corticosteroids for giant cell arteritis often need to continue for 2 years or more, and it is uncommon to stop therapy before 18 months.
High-dose systemic corticosteroids for giant cell arteritis (GCA) often need to continue for 2 years or more, and it is uncommon to stop therapy before 18 months. Use the lowest dose and shortest duration of corticosteroid therapy necessary to control disease and prevent relapse because long-term therapy can cause significant adverse effects.
Systemic corticosteroids are used in high dose for intensive induction therapy and at lower doses for maintenance of remission. For additional considerations specific to systemic corticosteroid use, see Specific considerations for use of systemic corticosteroids.