Project description:Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that involves various systemic organs and tissues and is characterized by scaly erythematous skin. Among the different types of psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is frequently reported, and occasionally develops into severe arthritis leading to joint dysfunction. There are various tools, especially questionnaires, to identify the presence of PsA in European and American populations; however, little is known about the utility of these tools in the Asian population. In this study, we investigated the utility of a representative tool, the psoriasis epidemiology screening tool (PEST) questionnaire, to identify PsA among Japanese patients with psoriasis. A total of 143 patients with psoriasis were enrolled in this study. Among them, 29 patients were diagnosed with PsA. The frequency of PsA was significantly increased in patients with PEST scores > 3, with a sensitivity of 93.1% and a specificity of 78.9%. Among the questions in the PEST questionnaire, "Have you ever had a swollen joint?" showed the highest frequency to answer "Yes" among patients with PsA. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that high PEST scores (> 3) was an independent variable in PsA patients. Taken together, our study suggests that the PEST questionnaire is a useful tool to identify PsA among Japanese patients with psoriasis.
Project description:BackgroundPsoriatic arthritis (PSA) is an inflammatory joint disease associated with psoriasis (PSO) that can be easily missed. Existing PSA screening tools ignore objective serologic indicators. The aim of this study was to develop a disease screening model and the Psoriatic Arthritis Inflammation Index (PSAII) based on serologic data to enhance the efficiency of PSA screening.MethodA total of 719 PSO and PSA patients from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (as training set and test set) and 135 PSO and PSA patients who were seen at The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (as external validation set) were selected, 31 indicators for these patients were collected as potential input features for the model. Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) was used to identify PSA-related features. Five models of logistic regression (LR), random forest, k-nearest neighbor, gradient augmentation and neural network were developed in the training set using quintuple cross validation. And we developed PSAII based on the results of LASSO regression and weights of logistic model parameters. All performance metrics are derived on the test set and the external validation set.ResultsFive variables were selected to build models, including age, lymphocyte percentage, neutrophil count, eosinophilic count, and C-reactive protein. In all established models, the LR model performed the best, with an Area Under Curve (AUC) of 0.87 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.83-0.90) on the test set; on the external validation set the AUC was 0.82 (95%CI: 0.74-0.90). The PSAII formula was PSAII = percentage of lymphocytes × C-reactive protein/(neutrophil count × eosinophilic count × 10). The AUC of PSAII in the test is 0.93 (95%CI: 0.88-0.97), and the cutoff value is 18. The AUC of the external validation set is 0.81 (95%CI: 0.72-0.89).ConclusionsThis study developed and validated five models to assist screening for PSA by analyzing serum data from NHANES and Chinese populations. The LR model demonstrated the best performance. We created PSAII for PSA screening. However, the high false positive rate of PSAII makes it necessary to combine it with other PSA screening tools when applied.
Project description:There is solid epidemiologic evidence linking psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) to cardiovascular risk factors and an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Chronic inflammation, with shared pathways and cytokines common to metabolic syndrome, atherosclerosis and psoriasis, might provide the basis for the cardiovascular and metabolic comorbidities of psoriasis and PsA. The purpose of this manuscript is to review recent evidence about the epidemiology and underlying mechanisms of cardiovascular risk factors and cardiovascular disease in patients with psoriasis and/or PsA; the use of analytical determinations, physiologic measures and imaging techniques as surrogate biomarkers of atherosclerosis, endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular disease in these patients; and the epidemiological and clinical data, including results of clinical trials, supporting a cardioprotective role of anti-inflammatory and disease-modifying treatment in psoriasis and PsA.
Project description:It is well established that psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) have a strong genetic component. Recent advances in genetics have confirmed previous associations and new loci have been discovered. However, these loci do not fully account for the high heritability of psoriasis and PsA and therefore many genetic as well as environmental factors remain to be identified. This paper reviews the current status of genetic studies in psoriasis and PsA.
Project description:IntroductionRheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and psoriasis (PSO) are chronic inflammatory diseases that have a substantial impact on patients' health. This retrospective database study aimed to assess the epidemiology, comorbidities, diagnosis and treatment patterns of RA, PsA and PSO in the German population.MethodsData were extracted from the Deutsche Forschungsdatenbank für Abrechnungsinformationen der Krankenversicherung database from 2012 to 2016 for patients aged ≥ 18 years holding full health coverage in the reporting year at least. Diagnoses were defined according to International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10 codes. Reported outcomes included prevalence and incidence rates, pre-defined comorbidities, diagnosing and treating physicians, and treatment exposure. A subgroup analysis was performed for women of childbearing age (females aged 18-45 years).ResultsThe prevalence rates of RA, PsA and PSO in Germany were consistent over the study period; by 2016 they were 0.4%, 0.3% and 2.1%, respectively, and in women of childbearing age they were 0.2%, 0.2% and 1.5%, respectively. RA, PsA and PSO were predominantly observed among patients aged > 45 years. RA and PsA were more prevalent in women, while PSO had an approximately equal gender distribution. Depressive episodes were the most frequently reported comorbidity in 2016 (RA: 25.7%; PsA: 25.1%; PSO: 17.8%), and this was similar in women of childbearing age (RA: 20.5%; PsA: 23.4%; PSO: 16.3%). Approximately 50% of patients with RA and PsA and 6% of patients with PSO were receiving systemic treatment in 2016, of which methotrexate (RA: 38.4%; PsA: 30.2%; PSO: 2.2%) was most common. Biologic therapies were the least frequently used treatment options (RA: 28.9%; PsA: 20.9%; PSO: 1.8%).ConclusionsThis analysis provides key epidemiological information for patients with RA, PsA and PSO, including in women of childbearing age, in Germany and highlights common comorbidities and that patients were likely receiving insufficient treatment for these diagnoses.
Project description:PurposeTo describe the phenotype of the uveitis that accompanies juvenile psoriatic arthritis or psoriasis.DesignObservational case series.MethodsSetting: Two university-based referral clinics: 1 in England, 1 in the United States.Study populationFive children with uveitis and psoriatic arthritis and 1 with uveitis and psoriasis Observational Procedure: Retrospective chart review.Main outcome measuresDemographics of subjects such as age and sex; description of ocular and joint disease; surgical and other complications; medical treatment.ResultsFive of the 6 children in this series had the onset of disease at or before age 6 (P = .0008 compared to expected age of onset for psoriatic arthritis in childhood). All children in this series had an inadequate response to topical corticosteroids. Most of the children were treated with systemic corticosteroids for many months, yet all of them went on to require methotrexate. Therapy with systemic methotrexate did not suffice, as all the patients also required some form of biologic therapy. Five of 6 had surgeries such as vitrectomy, cataract extraction, or a procedure for glaucoma control.ConclusionsThe observations suggest that the uveitis that accompanies juvenile psoriatic arthritis might be a distinct disease that is particularly severe when its onset affects children aged 6 years or younger.
Project description:Dermatology clinics represent a key opportunity to screen patients with psoriasis for psoriatic arthritis (PA) which often remains unrecognised. A significant proportion of adults with psoriasis develop arthropathy [5] with around two-thirds having progressive arthritis.[6] NICE has recognised this by the annual use of a validated screening tool such as psoriasis epidemiological screening tool (PEST) on all psoriasis patients without PA. We introduced the PEST into our dermatology department since there was no established system of screening for PA. Twenty-one percent of patients that were identified through PEST as requiring a referral at baseline were not referred to rheumatology through the current system without PEST. This represented a significantly missed proportion of patients with possible PA. Using the PDSA cycle method, we introduced the PEST into cycle 1 and educated key staff about the tool. All eligible patients were referred appropriately. Through doctor and patient feedback, changes were adopted for cycle 2 and informative emails to all key staff about PEST were sent. We noted a drop in the number of PEST uptake in this cycle possibly due to lack of awareness on the purpose and use of PEST among staff, across the department. An educational teaching session was delivered to a wider audience and posters were placed in strategic areas of the department prior to the final cycle. This resulted in 100% PEST uptake and 100% of those with a score of >3 being referred. A total of 51 patients were studied, comprising of 30 eligible patients for PEST. Of these, 27 patients were actually screened (90%) and five with a PEST score of ≥ 3 were identified and referred appropriately (18.5%). We felt this represented a successful outcome in increasing PEST uptake within the department and in capturing a significant proportion of patients at risk of PA.
Project description:BackgroudPsoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic, inflammatory arthritis that, when left untreated, can lead to erosions, deformities and decrease in quality of life. PsA is known to be associated with multiple comorbidities, including cardiovascular, metabolic and mental health syndromes, all of which can increase its overall morbidity and mortality.ObjectiveTo characterize a cohort of patients with PsA and understand the impact of depression on PsA outcome measures.Methods527 consecutive patients with PsA were enrolled in an observational, longitudinal registry that followed them prospectively at standard of care visits. Demographics, medical history, medication use, and clinical exam were all recorded.ResultsDepression was reported in 22.8% of the population, anxiety in 18%, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in 4%. Depression was more common in female participants (P < .001). At baseline, individuals with PsA and concomitant depression had similar tender and swollen joint counts and RAPID3 compared to those without depression, and had lower body surface area affected by psoriasis (P = .04). At year one, all patients had improvement in clinical outcomes. However, patients with depression had a significantly higher tender joint count compared to those without depression (P = .001), despite similar swollen joint count and body surface area.ConclusionIn patients with depression, there is a discrepancy between improvement in physician assessed measures and patient reported outcomes. These observations underscore the importance of addressing depression and psychological distress as part of PsA treatment outcomes and points towards the need to address residual pain through co-adjuvant approaches.
Project description:ObjectivesApproximately 20% of people with psoriasis develop PsA. Although genetic, clinical and environmental risk factors have been identified, it is not known why some people with psoriasis develop PsA. The skin disease is traditionally considered the same in both. This study compares transcriptional changes in psoriasis and PsA skin for the first time.MethodsSkin biopsies were collected from healthy controls (HC), and uninvolved and lesional skin from patients with PsA. Bulk tissue sequencing was performed and analysed using the pipeline Searchlight 2.0. Transcriptional changes in PsA skin were compared with existing sequencing data from participants with psoriasis without PsA (GSE121212). Psoriasis and PsA datasets could not be directly compared as different analysis methods were used. Data from participants with PsA in the GSE121212 dataset were used for validation.ResultsSkin samples from 9 participants with PsA and 9 HC were sequenced, analysed and compared with available transcriptomic data for 16 participants with psoriasis compared with 16 HC. Uninvolved skin in psoriasis shared transcriptional changes with lesional skin in psoriasis, but uninvolved skin in PsA did not. Most transcriptional changes in psoriasis and PsA lesional skin were shared, but immunoglobulin genes were upregulated in PsA lesional skin specifically. The transcription factor POU2F1, which regulates immunoglobulin gene expression, was enriched in PsA lesional skin. This was confirmed in the validation cohort.ConclusionsImmunoglobulin genes are upregulated in PsA but not in psoriasis skin lesions. This may have implications for the spread from the cutaneous compartment to other tissues.
Project description:Biologics have revolutionized the therapy of the psoriatic disease spectrum. These new classes of drugs also allow deeper insight into the pathogenesis of the disease and highlight the existence of distinct "molecular" disease subgroups as evidenced by the spectrum of clinical response seen. Molecules associated with both the interleukin (IL)-17 and interferon (IFN)γ pathways have important functions in psoriatic inflammation, and both are targeted by drugs acting on the p40 subunit shared by IL-12 and IL-23. These IL-12 family members are upstream of pathways characterized by the production of IFNγ and IL-17 related molecules, including IL-17, IL-22, and CCL20. We here summarize the mode of action and clinical studies of the p40 inhibitor ustekinumab with focus on both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.