Medizinische Universität Graz Austria/Österreich - Forschungsportal - Medical University of Graz
Gewählte Publikation:
SHR Neuro Krebs Kardio Lipid Stoffw Microb
Patil, P; Williams, M; Maw, WW; Achilleos, K; Elsideeg, S; Dejaco, C; Borg, F; Gupta, S; Dasgupta, B.
Fast track pathway reduces sight loss in giant cell arteritis: results of a longitudinal observational cohort study
CLIN EXP RHEUMATOL. 2015; 33(2): S103-S106.
Web of Science
- Co-Autor*innen der Med Uni Graz
- Dejaco Christian
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- Abstract:
- Objectives. To investigate the effectiveness of a fast track pathway (FTP) on sight loss in patients with suspected giant cell arteritis (GCA). Methods. A longitudinal observational cohort study was conducted in the secondary care rheumatology department. One hundred and thirty-five newly referred suspected GCA patients seen via the FTP (Jan. 2012-Dec. 2013) were compared to 81 patients seen through the conventional referral and review system (Jan. 2009-Dec. 2011). Results. The FTP resulted in significant reduction in irreversible sight loss from 37.0% (as seen in the historical cohort 2009-2011) to 9.0 % (2012-2013, OR 0.17, p=0.001). Adjustment for clinical and demographic parameters including known risk factors for GCA associated blindness did not significantly change the primary result (OR 0.08, p=0.001). FTP resulted in a reduction of time from symptom onset to diagnosis, particularly by reduction of time from general practitioner's (GP) referral to the rheumatology review (79% of FTP patients were seen within one working day compared to 64.6 % in the conventional pathway, p=0.023). The FTP has seen a reduction in number of GP appointments. Conclusions. There was a significant reduction of permanent sight loss with a fast track GCA pathway. The effect may be due to multiple factors including better GP education and reduction in delayed diagnosis. These results need verification at other sites.
- Find related publications in this database (Keywords)
- giant cell arteritis
- management
- vision loss