Abstract
Psoriatic arthritis is a multigenic immunological disease that involves synovial tissue, entheseal sites and skin, and that may result in significant structural damage. Although there has been some controversy regarding psoriatic arthritis as a clinical entity, it is now clear that there is a specific form of arthritis linked to psoriasis. However, the pathogenic link between skin and joint disease still remains to be fully established, and the relationship between the two conditions in terms of disease activity is somewhat loose. As psoriatic arthritis usually postdates psoriasis, and it can also be a potentially disabling disease, it is crucial to identify which factors may help in predicting arthritis development in patients with psoriasis. Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are likely the result of complex interactions between genetic, immunological and environmental elements; therefore, in the present article we will review which of these elements may help in establishing a strategy aimed at an early recognition of arthritis among patients with psoriasis.
Financial & competing interests disclosure
The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.
No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.