Patients with psoriatic arthritis have worse quality of life than those with psoriasis alone

Biomarkers for comorbidities in psoriasis: a report from the GRAPPA 2011 annual meeting

Biomarkers are being recognized that will help identify patients with psoriasis who may be destined to develop psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Recent genome-wide association studies have identified genes that are common to both psoriasis and PsA, as well as differentially expressed in the 2 conditions. Further, biomarkers of inflammation and cartilage can differentiate between patients with PsA and those with psoriasis without arthritis. An overview of these biomarkers was presented at the 2011 annual meeting of the Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis. Additionally, a report was presented from the current database of the International Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Research Team, a group of dermatologists and rheumatologists with the objective to improve the lives of patients with psoriasis and PsA.

Early psoriatic arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory musculoskeletal disease associated with psoriasis that is usually seronegative for rheumatoid factor. Psoriatic arthritis affects men and women equally, usually during the fourth decade, although it may affect children and octogenarians. Psoriatic arthritis may lead to deformities, joint damage, reduced quality of life and function. Early detection and treatment may prevent untoward outcomes.