Takayasu arteritis

As the precise etiology of Takayasu arteritis and causes of flare-ups in disease activity are unknown, there are no known specific preventive actions. Management of hypertension is important to prevent further vascular damage. Attention to osteoporosis screening and management is crucial, given the need for glucocorticoid therapy. Patients require influenza and pneumococcal immunizations annually. Use of prophylactic antibiotic therapy to prevent Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia is important, especially when the prednisone dose is more than 20 mg daily. Atherosclerotic vascular disease can further complicate the vascular damage caused by Takayasu arteritis; thus, control of other risk factors is important.