Early predictors of psoriatic arthritis: a Delphi-based consensus from Italian dermatology centers.

BACKGROUND

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is an inflammatory condition which can affect up to 41% of psoriatic patients [1]. In 40-60% of patients, PsA can determine cartilage destruction and joint deformities, hereby heavily impacting physical function and quality of life, even increasing the risk of death compared to the general population [1]. PsA manifestations usually develop after psoriasis onset; therefore, dermatologists play a crucial role in the detection of early signs of arthritis. In our study, we aimed to identify simply detectable clinical and ecographic signs of early PsA and to assess their reliability.

METHODS

We assessed the opinion of a group of expert dermatologists, who were asked to express their opinion on the level of association between the selected anamnestic, clinical or instrumental signs and the onset of psoriatic arthritis by giving a score to each item.

RESULTS

Psoriatic onycopathy, signs of dactylitis and ultrasonographic alterations of selected joints were, respectively, the dermatologic, rheumatologic and imaging signs which had the strongest significance in the opinion of the experts.

CONCLUSIONS

These signs should be carefully looked for during dermatological examinations in order to detect early PsA.