Psoriatic Arthritis

For spinal rheumatic conditions like psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, new research supports aquatic therapies, especially at first, and specialized programs like Pilates.

For people diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis that show only mild symptoms of joint pain and swelling, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are usually the first treatment option to consider.

Ask your patients with psoriatic arthritis whether their disease impacts their work life. Like those in this study, they may say it takes quite a toll. What can you do to help?

Underwater inferential current therapy significantly improves overall hand function in patients whose psoriatic arthritis affects their hands, according to a study published in the April issue of International Journal of Physiotherapy and Research.

People with psoriatic arthritis, particularly women, are more likely than psoriasis-only patients to have depression and/or anxiety. Poorly recognized and treated, this problem may affect the success of treatment for PsA.

Can drugs that target the shared interleukin 17/23 pathway improve on existing options for treatment of psoriatic arthritis? A brief overview discusses the options now in testing, and preliminary results.

Methotrexate, according to a new study, is a nauseating thought even before most patients take their regular dose. What are the implications for treatment, and what can you do to help?

ACR2013: Apremilast, a new kind of anti-inflammatory, proved significantly better than placebo against psoriatic arthritis after 52 weeks. Adverse effects were short-lived. Results for ustekinumab also held up after a year.

Small case study reveals psoriatic arthritis risk with ustekinumab use for psoriasis. Also: Regulators toughen up on painkiller labeling, but is it enough?

The FDA has approved ustekinumab (Stelara) alone or as an adjunct to methotrexate for adults with psoriatic arthritis.

For the first time, the European Medicines Agency's biosimilars program has recommended approval of a monoclonal antibody. It has given thumbs-up to an alternative formulation of infliximab to treat inflammatory conditions including RA, ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriatic arthritis.

Psoriasis is the most common autoimmune disease, and an important manifestation of psoriatic arthritis in patients with joint pain. Try out this compact slide show to hone your skills at differential diagnosis.

EULAR 2013: Your assignment for patients who have ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis: Partner with them as they strive for a normal life, says an expert task force.

Does the research show any significant difference between anti-tumor necrosis factor drugs in terms of their effectiveness for treating psoriatic arthritis?

Psoriatic arthritis, a chronic inflammatory arthritis, usually is seronegative for rheumatoid factor and is associated with cutaneous psoriasis

Tumor necrosis factor-α antagonists used to treat autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis may pose less risk of serious infection than previously thought, a new study suggests.

Physically demanding occupational tasks (eg, lifting heavy loads) and infections that required antibiotics are associated with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in patients with psoriasis.

NICE has issued final guidance recommending golimumab for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis.

The concept of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) has evolved from that of a relatively obscure mild joint disease to that of a severe inflammatory arthritis involving bones, joints, and the surrounding tissue.

A second biologic option is now available for patients in New Zealand with forms of arthritis.

The aging process is difficult, involving multisystem functional decline, and the pharmacokinetics of medications are altered in older persons, resulting in increased risks. Concerns are demonstrated in case reports.

Psychological effects resulting from psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) are more likely to occur in African Americans, Asians, and Latinos than in whites, according to a recent National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) survey report. In addition, very severe disease is more common among members of these groups.

An 84-year-old woman presented with pain and swelling in her knees and hands. She had a history of severe psoriasis and osteoarthritis. How can you make a differential diagnosis when OA may coexist with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, OA, and crystal arthritis? Read on to find out.

The spondyloarthropathies (SpA) are strongly associated with the HLA-B27 gene. The diagnosis is based primarily on clinical findings. Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) often involves the sacroiliac joints and spine. Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) occurs in up to about one third of patients with psoriasis. Reactive arthritis must be distinguished from other arthropathies. Arthritis occurs in about 30% of patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Undifferentiated SpA include sseveral related disorders. Radiographic evidence of sacroiliitisis a characteristic feature of AS. SpA management should include patient education and regular exercise. NSAIDs are the first line of treatment.The tumor necrosis factor α inhibitors are highly effective inpatients with active AS and in those with PsA that is unresponsive to conventional therapy. (J Musculoskel Med. 2008;25:31-40)