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Prednisone Can Be Prescribed Before Temporal Artery Biopsy?
In a patient with onset of headache and temporal tenderness on the left temple with visual acuity changes. We have an ESR of 28 but we also have a Red cell distribution width SD of 56.4 and 15.3 red cell distribution width.
Would it be advisable to place her on prednisone immediately and then order a temporal artery biopsy?
Would it be advisable to place her on prednisone immediately and then order a temporal artery biopsy?
Tue, 5 Aug 2014
Yes i think if you are suspecting temporal arteritis, prednisone shoild be started before biopsy report as it will prevent from dreaded complications of temporal arteritis. Receiving treatment right away is key to preventing severe problems such as blindness or even stroke.Most people begin to feel better within a few days after starting treatment. However, you will need to take medicine for 1 - 2 years. The dose of corticosteroids will be cut back very slowly.
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