Total number of new rheumatology patients, n | 744* | 717* |
Total number of suspected GCA referrals, n (%) | 22 (0.03)* | 15 (0.02)* |
Female, n (%) | 16 (73) | 9 (60) |
White – British, n (%) | 19 (86) | 9 (60) |
Age, years, median (range) | 69 (50-87) | 71 (40-85) |
The number of GCA referrals from GP, n (%) | 14 (63) | 9 (60) |
The number of referrals which stated GCA symptoms as either a positive or negative finding, n (%): | | |
i. Polymyalgia rheumatica | 7 (32) | 7 (47) |
ii. Jaw claudication | 13 (59)* | 10 (67)* |
iii. Headaches | 19 (86) | 12 (80) |
iv. Scalp tenderness | 16 (73) | 12 (80) |
v. Visual symptoms | 18 (82)* | 13 (87)* |
The number of referrals which included blood results, n (%) | 19 (86)* | 12 (80)* |
The number of referrals which stated the results of inflammatory markers, n (%): | | |
i. C-reactive protein (CRP) | 15 (68)* | 7 (47)* |
ii. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) | 19 (86)* | 10 (67)* |
iii. Both CRP and ESR | 15 (68) | 5 (33) |
The number of referrals which stated the start date of prednisolone, n (%) | 17 (77) | 9 (60) |
The number of patients commenced on appropriate prednisolone dose; 60 mg (with visual symptoms) or 40 mg (without), n (%) | 11 (50)* | 9 (60)* |
The number of patients who had a PPI (proton pump inhibitor) prescribed, n (%) | 20 (91) | 14 (93) |
The number of patients who had calcium/vitamin D tablets prescribed, n (%) | 8 (36)* | 7 (47)* |
The interval between the date of referral and the first rheumatology appointment, days, range (median) | 2–103 (34)* | 2–161 (13)* |
The number of patients in which a decision was made to continue with steroids following the first appointment, n (%) | 10 (45)* | 7 (47)* |