Clinical features of psoriatic arthritis

The past 5 years have seen major advances in understanding the immunology and molecular biology of psoriatic arthritis (PsA), especially the impact of cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF), which has produced striking, long-term benefits in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Because PsA is not the same disease as RA, the ability to distinguish between them is important to physicians in managing patients who have clinical features consistent with an arthropathy. The development of TNF inhibitors directed specifically at the mechanisms of skin and joint inflammation offers hope to patients who suffer from the debilitating effects of PsA.