Determining the Risk Factors for Joint Damage in Psoriasis

In a study published in the International Journal of Dermatology, researchers found that that age ≥40, nail involvement, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) serve as independent risk factors for psoriasis (PsO) transitioning into psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Researchers aimed to address the need for early detection of PsA in patients with PsO and identify risk factors for the transformation from PsO to clinical PsA. Conducted at Beijing Chao-yang Hospital, the retrospective and longitudinal case-control study included 75 patients diagnosed with PsA (case group) and 345 patients with PsO without PsA (control group).

Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed age ≥40, nail involvement, ESR, and hs-CRP as independent risk factors for the transformation from PsO to clinical PsA. Furthermore, combining magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-detected enthesitis with tenosynovitis improved diagnostic efficacy, with increased specificity (94.3% vs 69%) while maintaining similar sensitivity (89% vs 84.6%). The areas under the receiver operating characteristic  curve for the combined predictors were 0.925 and 0.858, respectively, indicating excellent diagnostic performance.

“MRI provides additional value for the early recognition of PsA,” the authors concluded.

Reference
Yao A, Wang L, Qi F, et al. Risk factors and early detection of joint damage in patients with psoriasis: a case-control study. Int J Dermatol. Published online April 29, 2024. doi:10.1111/ijd.17212