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Chloroquine therapy in psoriatic arthritis
D D Gladman1, R Blake, B Brubacher
1Rheumatic Disease Unit, University of Toronto, ON, Canada.
The Journal of Rheumatology
|November 1, 1992
Summary
Chloroquine shows promise for treating psoriatic arthritis (PsA), with most patients experiencing reduced joint inflammation. This study suggests chloroquine is effective and does not worsen psoriasis symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting joints and skin.
- Current treatments for PsA have limitations, necessitating exploration of alternative therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of chloroquine in managing psoriatic arthritis symptoms.
- To determine if chloroquine treatment exacerbates pre-existing psoriasis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 32 patients with PsA treated with chloroquine at the University of Toronto Psoriatic Arthritis Clinic.
- Comparison with a control group of 24 patients with PsA not receiving remittive agents.
- Assessment of joint inflammation reduction and psoriasis exacerbation over a 6-month period.
Main Results:
- 75% of patients on chloroquine (24/32) showed a >30% reduction in actively inflamed joint count after 6 months.
- A significant decrease in actively inflamed joints was observed in the chloroquine group.
- Psoriasis exacerbation occurred in 6 chloroquine patients (18.75%) and 6 control patients (25%), with no significant difference.
Conclusions:
- Chloroquine appears to be an effective treatment for psoriatic arthritis.
- Chloroquine therapy does not seem to exacerbate psoriasis in patients with PsA.
- Further investigation via a prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial is recommended.