A clinical study of psoriatic arthropathy

Background: The incidence of uncomplicated psoriasis is 1-3% in the general population. Arthritis is found in increased frequency in psoriatic patients and its incidence is estimated to be 5-7%. Aim: To assess the prevalence of arthritis in psoriatic patients. Methods: Four hundred and seventy-two psoriatic patients were enrolled in the study out of which 40 patients had (psoriatic) arthropathy (PsA). Severity of psoriasis was assessed by the psoriasis area and severity index (PASI). Routine blood investigations were carried out along with radiological investigations. Results: Forty percent of the 40 PsA patients were in the age group of 51-60 years. Seven patients out of the 40 (17.5%) psoriatic arthropathic (PsA) patients had a family history of psoriasis. Nail involvement was observed in 37 cases (92.5%). Rheumatoid factor was present in five out of the 40 (12.5%) PsA patients. Serum uric acid levels were above normal in eighteen out of the 40 (45%) PsA patients. Asymmetric oligoarthropathy was the most commonly observed feature in 42.5% of the 40 PsA patients. Narrowing of joint spaces and erosions were observed in 62.5% and 45% of the 40 PsA patients. Conclusion: There is an association between the duration of skin lesions and duration of arthropathy. Similarly the PASI score is also directly related with arthropathy.