Psoriatic nail changes are associated with clinical outcomes in psoriatic arthritis

Abstract

Background: Nail changes are common in psoriatic arthritis (PsA), with varying relationships existing between skin, nail, and joint disease. Objective: To further characterize relationships between nail changes, psoriasis, and joint involvement in PsA patients. Methods: One hundred eighty-eight PsA patients had skin, fingernail, and rheumatological assessments completed. Hand and fingernail photographs were taken and reviewed by a dermatologist. Results: Higher swollen joint counts were associated with distal interphalangeal (DIP)/periungual psoriasis (P = .001), more splinter hemorrhages (P = .006), and any nail bed change (P = .03). Higher tender joint counts were associated with rough onychorrhexis (P