Systematic review of treatments for psoriatic arthritis: 2014 update for the GRAPPA

Abstract

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic systemic inflammatory disorder characterized by the association of arthritis and periarticular inflammation in patients with psoriasis. In addition to a heterogeneous and variable clinical course, PsA is complex and multifaceted and may include prominent involvement in the peripheral and axial diarthrodial joints, the skin and nails, and in periarticular structures such as entheses. Simultaneous inflammation in the skin and musculoskeletal structures in a single patient, a relatively common scenario, often leads to marked decrease in function and quality of life. Thus, it is essential for the clinician to document the extent of disease involvement and craft a therapeutic plan that addresses the different domains of disease. In an effort to update previous treatment recommendations developed by the Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (GRAPPA), several evidence-based, systemic reviews of therapies for PsA were completed, analyzed, and circulated for consensus.