Research Studies

Giant Cell Arteritis

Giant Cell Arteritis Clinical Trial Opportunity

Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) is a form of vasculitis, inflammation of the arteries. In GCA, the arteries in the head are most affected and for this reason is also known as Temporal Arthritis.

It is more common in women than men and occurs more often in whites than in blacks, Hispanics or Asians. Almost all patients who develop Giant Cell Arteritis are over the age of 50.

Symptoms Include:

  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Loss of appetite leading to weight loss
  • Scalp tenderness
  • Jaw, muscle, and joint pain
  • Vision impairment
  • Daily headaches are not uncommon and are often one-sided, with pain located especially at the temples. Blindness is a serious complication in untreated GCA.

Giant Cell Arteritis is treated with high doses of corticosteroids such as prednisone. Corticosteroid therapy can have complications so long-term use is not optimal.

See If You Qualify

If you have been diagnosed with Giant Cell Arthritis you may be a candidate for participation in a new clinical trial using an alternative treatment. Those with a history of certain other serious conditions or infections may not qualify to take part. If you would like to learn more about this opportunity, please contact our research staff at Advanced Rheumatology of Houston.

Call 281-884-9844