Recent advances in the management of psoriatic arthritis.

Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW:

The incidence of psoriatic arthritis is currently estimated at 7 to 42% of the population with active psoriasis, considered to affect 2 to 3% of the general population. Unmanaged psoriatic arthritis may result in progressive radiologic erosion, severe physical limitations, and disability. Newer trials in psoriatic arthritis therapy demonstrate ongoing ability to control disease symptoms and signs and the progression of the disease significantly.

RECENT FINDINGS:

Recognition of the immunopathogenesis of psoriatic arthritis, as with rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis, prompts ongoing examination of the efficacy of several disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. A new crop of biologics and pharmaceuticals with increased molecular specificity compared with traditional immunosuppressant disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs have been shown to be highly effective in inhibiting the symptoms and progression of psoriatic arthritis with less severe side effects.

SUMMARY:

Therapies either recently approved or pending approval by the Food and Drug Administration for psoriatic arthritis management are safe and effective in the treatment of symptoms, significantly improve quality of life, and prevent long-term progression of the disease.

• Authors: Philip J Mease
• Journal: Current opinion in rheumatology (Curr Opin Rheumatol) Vol. 16 Issue 4 Pg. 366-70 (Jul 2004) ISSN: 1040-8711 [Print] United States
• PMID: 15201598 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Antirheumatic Agents
• Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

Topics

• Antirheumatic Agents (pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Arthritis, Psoriatic (drug therapy, immunology)
• Disease Progression
• Humans
• Quality of Life
• Treatment Outcome
• Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (antagonists & inhibitors, immunology)