Psoriatic arthritis
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
Definitive diagnosis
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
monoclonal antibodies targeting tumor necrosis factor are the most recent therapy.
References
- ↑ Anonymous (2024), Psoriatic arthritis (English). Medical Subject Headings. U.S. National Library of Medicine.
- ↑ Moll JMH, Wright V. (1973), "Psoriatic arthritis", Semin Arthritis Rheum (no. 3): 55–78
- ↑ P S Helliwell, W J Taylor (2005), "Classification and diagnostic criteria for psoriatic arthritis", Ann Rheum Dis (no. 64(Suppl II)): ii3–ii8., DOI:10.1136/ard.2004.032318