Patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA) who use anticoagulants have a lower risk of vision loss, stroke, and other cranial ischemic complications, according to a study published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. Older age and hypertension increase the risk for these complications in patients with GCA. The study analyzed data from 1,946 patients with GCA and found that anticoagulant therapy before GCA diagnosis had a protective effect against cranial ischemic complications. The study suggests a need for further research on the role of thrombosis in GCA and whether anticoagulant therapy alongside glucocorticoids could be beneficial, especially in high-risk subsets of patients.
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Anticoagulant therapy reduces risks for vision loss, stroke in giant cell arteritis
