Psoriatic Arthritis Forum releases consensus statement on detection, treatment of psoriatic arthritis

The Psoriatic Arthritis Forum released a consensus statement outlining near- and long-term goals to improve disease-related and functional outcomes, as well as health-related quality of life among patients with psoriatic arthritis.

The recommendations by the Psoriatic Arthritis Forum include:

Development of a screening tool for dermatologists and primary care doctors to identify suspected psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients;
Raise awareness about the progression, health-related quality of life components, and other health issues associated with PsA; and
Improve communication between health care providers and patients.

The Forum also stated completing a pharmacoeconomic evaluation of therapies that examines the impact on both direct and indirect costs, patient health-related quality of life and patient function could help improve the burden of PsA.

“We believe up to 50% of psoriasis patients with psoriatic arthritis are undiagnosed, living with sore, stiff and tender joints, without understanding what is causing this pain. Our review points the way forward for effective screening and treatment, in the hope that detection rates of the condition are improved and patients enjoy a better quality of life,” Philip Helliwell, PhD, DM, FRCP, of the School of Medicine at the University of Leeds, stated in a press release. “These recommendations serve as a guide for improving the timely diagnosis of PsA, as well as promoting global awareness of PsA. We need to develop better screening tools as a matter of urgency, as these will be cost-effective and lead to better health outcomes for thousands of people.”

Reference:

Helliwell P. Arthritis Care Res. 2014;doi:10.1002/acr.22404.

Disclosure: The researchers have no relevant financial disclosures.