Psoriatic Arthritis 101: Prevalence, Morbidity, Screening

The presentation discusses psoriatic arthritis (PsA), focusing on its prevalence, morbidity, screening methods, and common mimickers. Approximately 20% of psoriasis patients may develop PsA, with a significant portion remaining undiagnosed for years, underscoring the critical role dermatologists play in screening and diagnosis. The speaker emphasizes the importance of early detection through appropriate questionnaires like the PEST and CASPAR criteria, which aid in identifying patients who exhibit symptoms such as joint swelling or nail changes. Discussing the different types of PsA manifestations, including peripheral arthritis, enthesitis, and axial disease, the session highlights common differentiators from other arthritic conditions. It also notes that severe psoriasis correlates with an increased risk of developing PsA and that treating psoriasis may potentially mitigate this risk. The presentation concludes with recommendations for practitioners to adopt screening tools in their practice to ensure early identification and intervention for patients at risk of developing psoriatic arthritis, thus improving patient outcomes.