The Self-Administered Psoriasis and Arthritis Screening Questionnaire (PASQ): A Sensitive and Specific Tool for the Diagnosis of Early and Established Psoriatic Arthritis

Abstract

Background Psoriatic arthritis is a serious chronic inflammatory arthritis that can lead to significant joint damage and often is associated with comorbidities. Early detection and effective management of psoriatic arthritis may prevent the development of such complications. Most patients develop psoriatic arthritis years after onset of psoriasis, and most patients with psoriasis alone are managed by dermatologists or general practitioners. These clinicians are thus in an excellent position to screen for psoriatic arthritis early in the disease course. Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the Psoriasis and Arthritis Screening Questionnaire (PASQ) in detecting patients with psoriatic arthritis. Methods Two groups of patients were screened: patients with established disease and patients referred for evaluation of possible (i.e., early) psoriatic arthritis. Results In patients with established disease, analysis of the PASQ score yielded an optimal cutoff point of 9 with 86.27% sensitivity and 88.89% specificity. In patients with early disease, the PASQ indicated an optimal score of 7 with 92.86% sensitivity and 75% specificity. Conclusion The PASQ is an effective screening tool in psoriatic arthritis patients with a long history of disease as well as in those with short disease duration.