Defining Pre-Clinical Psoriatic Arthritis in an Integrated Dermato-Rheumatology Environment

Abstract

In excess of three quarters of patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) have preceding psoriasis (PsO), which offers a clinical biomarker for the recognition of early PsA. Numerous surveys have shown a remarkably high frequency of clinically occult musculoskeletal symptoms in psoriasis patients. Imaging studies, particularly ultrasound, show a high prevalence of subclinical enthesitis and other inflammatory changes in psoriasis subjects. Since a serum biomarker, such as the case of anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA) in rheumatoid arthritis, neither exists nor seems biologically plausible at this point, this article explores how integration of rheumatological and dermatological assessment can be facilitated for the early recognition of potential PsA. Given that scalp disease is a PsA predictor, but may be managed in the community, then a particular need to access this group is needed. An integrated approach between rheumatology and dermatology can involve joint clinics, parallel clinics with discussion of relevant cases or virtual contact between specialties. Early therapy evaluation and integrated strategies have considerable implications for minimizing suffering and joint damage in PsA.