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Risk Factors and Pharmacological Interventions Impacting Cerebrovascular Ischemic Events in Giant Cell Arteritis: A Narrative Review
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  • Muhammad Siddiqui,
  • Mohammad Syed,
  • Ayaan Qureshi,
  • Mustafa Imam,
  • Jatin Motwani,
  • Verkha Kumari,
  • Arooba Siddiqui,
  • Noor Ul Ain,
  • Mohammed hammad jaber
Muhammad Siddiqui
Liaquat National Hospital and Medical College
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Mohammad Syed
Liaquat National Hospital and Medical College
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Ayaan Qureshi
Liaquat National Hospital and Medical College
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Mustafa Imam
Liaquat National Hospital and Medical College
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Jatin Motwani
Liaquat National Hospital and Medical College
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Verkha Kumari
Liaquat National Hospital and Medical College
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Arooba Siddiqui
Karachi Medical and Dental College
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Noor Ul Ain
Liaquat National Hospital and Medical College
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Mohammed hammad jaber
Alzaiem Alazhari University Faculty of Medicine

Corresponding Author:mohammesjaber123@gmail.com

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Abstract

Abstract Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a prevalent vasculitis primarily affecting larger vessels, notably in individuals aged 70–79. Cerebrovascular ischemic events (CIE), such as stroke and transient ischemic attacks, are significant GCA complications, with a pooled prevalence of 4%. CIEs are rare but debilitating complications of GCA. This research article is a narrative review that aims to highlight the risk factors and pharmacological interventions that impact GCA-related CIE. This narrative review suggests that age, male gender, hypertension, and smoking were significantly associated with GCA-related CIE, while risk factors such as having anemia, a higher body mass index (BMI), relatively higher inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) had protective effects against GCA-related CIE. Symptoms of ischemia of the ophthalmic artery were also found to be the strongest predictors of CIE. Pharmacological interventions such as glucocorticoids and tocilizumab can help manage and prevent CIE in GCA patients. Aspirin and antiplatelet therapy may also be useful as adjunctive therapies. A detailed and appropriate study design for various risk factors is required to establish the association. Identifying risk factors is imperative for managing morbidity and mortality. This can help physicians assess the risk and prevent CIE in GCA patients.