Key Points
Î Approximately 30% of psoriasis patients will develop psoriatic
arthritis (PsA), often after several years.
Î Psoriasis is among the most prevalent autoimmune diseases in the
USA; approximately 2.2% of the population have psoriasis.
Î PsA may be characterized by inflammatory peripheral arthritis, skin
and nail involvement, enthesitis, dactylitis, axial arthritis, and other
manifestations.
Î PsA can be remarkably diverse among patients in its presentation and
course.
Î Significant recent developments in understanding of the
immunopathology of disease have helped drive the availability
of major therapeutic advances. Along with progress in disease
assessment, these required an update of the 2009 GRAPPA treatment
recommendations.
Î These recommendations are specifically relevant only for patients
with PsA and not intended for juvenile idiopathic arthritis or psoriasis
without arthritis.
Î These recommendations are evidence based to the greatest extent
possible, and were developed by an international, multidisciplinary
group with substantial patient input.
Courtesy of Arthur Kavanaugh, MD.
