Psoriatic arthritis

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Psoriatic arthritis is a "type of inflammatory arthritis associated with psoriasis, often involving the axial joints and the peripheral terminal interphalangeal joints. It is characterized by the presence of HLA-B27-associated spondylarthropathy, and the absence of rheumatoid factor" (RF).^[1]

Presentation[edit]

Definitive diagnosis[edit]

The original diagnostic criteria, not involving genetic analysis, are of Moll & Wright:^[2] Rheumatologists find these still somewhat vague, and also can be confounded by comorbidities. For example, a patient might have rheumatoid arthritis and have a positive rheumatoid factor test, but coincidentally have non-arthritic psoriasis. ^[3] There also may be hidden psoriatic lesions, and Helliwell & Taylor suggest that confirmed psoriasis in a first-degree relative may meet the criteria.

Treatment[edit]

monoclonal antibodies targeting tumor necrosis factor are the most recent therapy.

References[edit]