A clinical perspective on risk factors and signs of subclinical and early psoriatic arthritis among patients with psoriasis.

Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated disease that includes a broad spectrum of systemic manifestations, complications, and comorbidities. Approximately 20%-30% of patients with psoriasis eventually develop psoriatic arthritis, and up to half of those without psoriatic arthritis experience subclinical musculoskeletal abnormalities. Recognition of early musculoskeletal inflammatory signs in patients with psoriasis is important to understand the extent and severity of this systemic disease, assess the risk of structural joint damage, and ensure timely and effective treatment of the complete spectrum of psoriatic disease. Delayed or ineffective treatment can lead to decreased quality of life, irreversible musculoskeletal damage, and loss of function. In this review, we highlight features of subclinical or early psoriatic arthritis among patients with psoriasis of which dermatologists should be aware. Recent knowledge of features of preclinical psoriatic arthritis in patients with psoriasis is presented. We briefly discuss important risk factors, clinical features, and other characteristics of patients likely to progress from psoriasis to psoriatic arthritis that should be known by dermatologists. Screening tools commonly used in the dermatology clinic to detect psoriatic arthritis are also critically reviewed. Finally, we provide expert commentary for dermatologists concerning the treatment of patients with psoriasis and subclinical signs of early psoriatic arthritis.