How Are We Addressing Axial Psoriatic Arthritis in Clinical Practice?

Abstract

Psoriatic arthritis; Psoriatic spondylitis; Sacroiliitis

Artritis psoriásica; Espondilitis psoriásica; Sacroileítis

Artritis psoriàsica; Espondilitis psoriàsica; Sacroiliitis

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the musculoskeletal system, skin and nails. In addition to peripheral joints, inflammation of the spine and sacroiliac joints may occur. Yet, research into this axial phenotype has lagged behind partly because of the challenge in its clinical identification with a lack of specific clinical, molecular or imaging biomarkers. In the absence of a validated definition of what constitutes axial PsA (axPsA), guidelines for the management of axial involvement in PsA in clinical practice are scarce. On the basis of a literature review and their clinical expertise, a group of rheumatology experts provide their opinion to aid the diagnosis and management of axial PsA in clinical practice.

This study was funded by Novartis Farmacéutica S.A., Spain, in accordance with the Good Publication Practice Guidelines. The study funder also covered editorial costs (writing and editorial support) and publication costs, including the journal’s Rapid Service Fee. HM-O is supported by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Leeds Biomedical Research Centre (LBRC). The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the (UK) National Health Service (NHS), the NIHR, or the (UK) Department of Health.