Steroid-Reducing Options for ReLapsING PMR (STERLING-PMR): a pragmatic, randomised trial to compare the clinical and cost-effectiveness of adding immunosuppression to steroid-tapering treatment for patients with relapsing PMR, versus steroid-tapering

风湿性多发性肌痛(PMR)是一种常见的老年人炎症性疾病，用强的松龙(类固醇片剂)治疗。约50%会复发，并经常出现类固醇副作用(如糖尿病、骨折)。这项研究将确定额外的治疗是否可以减少复发PMR患者强的松龙的使用；并提高生活质量。这项研究将包括英国和澳大利亚的参与者，并为这一研究不足的领域的进一步研究提供了一个独特的机会。

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a common inflammatory disease of older people, treated with prednisolone (steroid tablet). About 50% will relapse and often suffer from steroid side effects (eg diabetes, bone fracture). This study will determine whether an extra treatment can reduce prednisolone use in people with relapsing PMR; and improve quality of life. The study will include participants in UK and Australia and provide a unique opportunity for further research in this under-researched area.