The challenges in managing Psoriatic Arthritis in resource poor settings.

BACKGROUND

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a systemic autoimmune and auto-inflammatory disease associated with significant morbidity, increased mortality, and substantial socioeconomic burden globally. While therapeutic advances have improved outcomes, their implementation in resource-limited settings faces profound challenges.

METHODS

This narrative review synthesises findings from relevant publications identified via PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar and Embase, focusing on the management of PsA in resource-limited settings.

RESULTS

We identified four critical challenge domains. Epidemiological: a severe lack of robust population-based data on prevalence, incidence, and phenotype in resource-limited settings hinders public health planning.

DIAGNOSTIC: significant delays occur due to a scarcity of specialists, limited access to diagnostic tools, and unclear patient pathways, leading to missed therapeutic opportunities and increased structural damage. Therapeutic: access to conventional and advanced biologic/targeted therapies is severely restricted by high costs, limited availability, and insufficient health coverage. This is compounded by a lack of adapted treatment guidelines and multidisciplinary care infrastructure.

RESEARCH: minimal local research capacity, few clinical trials, and limited funding stifle innovation and context-specific solution development.

CONCLUSION

The effective management of PsA in resource-limited settings requires a multifaceted strategy. Key priorities include: strengthening health systems through clear care pathways; task-shifting and enhanced training for primary care providers; developing national registries and context-adapted guidelines; advocating for improved drug access and affordability; and fostering local research capacity. Addressing these challenges is essential to mitigate health inequities and improve outcomes for PsA patients in resource-limited settings.