Table 2 Dynamic changes in prednisone concentrations and events occurring during the follow-up period

Prednisone

 Baseline, mg/kg day

0.67 ± 0.30

0.61 ± 0.34

0.74 ± 0.23

 Follow-up at 6 months, mg/kg day

0.28 (0.21–0.35)

0.25 (0.21–0.33)

0.29 (0.23–0.45)

 Follow-up at 12 months, mg/kg day

0.14 (0.10–0.22)

0.14 (0.10–0.18)

0.14 (0.12–0.22)

VISE

10 (26.3)

2 (10.0)

8 (44.4)

 Ischemic stroke

4 (10.5)

1 (5.0)

3 (16.7)

 Visual loss

4 (10.5)

1 (5.0)

3 (16.7)

 Amaurosis

2 (5.3)

0

2 (11.1)

 Angina

1 (2.6)

0

1 (5.6)

 Heart failure

1 (2.6)

1 (5.0)

0

 Intermittent claudication

1 (2.6)

0

1 (5.6)

Treatment effect

 Complete remission

20 (52.6)

10 (50.0)

10 (55.6)

 Partial remission

11 (28.9)

6 (54.5)

5 (45.5)

 Relapse

2 (16.7)

0

2 (40.0)

Recorded infection

 Respiratory system infection

2 (5.3)

0

2 (11.1)

 Digestive system infection

1 (2.6)

0

1 (5.6)

 Reproductive system infection

1 (2.6)

0

1 (5.6)

 Skin infection

1 (2.6)

1 (5.0)

0

 Blood^a

1 (2.6)

0

1 (5.6)

VSP locations

 Subclavian artery

16 (42.1)

 Carotid artery

2 (5.3)

 Brachiocephalic trunk

2 (5.3)

 Renal artery

1 (0.03)

 Iliac artery

1 (0.03)