Psoriatic Arthritis (cont.)

What does the future hold for patients with psoriatic arthritis?

The future treatment of psoriatic arthritis will evolve as more effective and safe medicines are developed. Recently, it has been shown that vitamin D might actually improve the arthritis of psoriatic arthritis. Other areas of research involve treatment with medications that can alter the immune system of patients with psoriatic arthritis. As the immune system changes and genetics are better defined in this illness, the efficacy of these medical treatments will improve.

Psoriatic Arthritis At A Glance

• About one in 10 people with psoriasis also develop inflammation of joints (psoriatic arthritis).
• The first appearance of the skin disease (psoriasis) can be separated from the onset of joint disease (arthritis) by years.
• Psoriatic arthritis belongs to a group of arthritis conditions that cause inflammation of the spine (spondyloarthropathies).
• Patients with psoriatic arthritis can develop inflammation of tendons, cartilage, eyes, lung lining, and, rarely, the aorta.
• The arthritis of psoriatic arthritis is treated independently of the psoriasis, with exercise, ice applications, medications, and surgery.

For more information about psoriatic arthritis, please visit the following sites:

National Psoriasis Foundation/USA (http://www.psoriasis.org/)

References:

Clinical Primer of Rheumatology, Lippincott Williams & Wilkens, edited by William Koopman, et al., 2003.

Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology, W B Saunders Co, edited by Shaun Ruddy, et al., 2000.

Last Editorial Review: 3/4/2008

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