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Psoriatic arthritis therapy advances.
1Seattle Rheumatology Associates, Swedish Medical Center, Rheumatology Research Division, and University of Washington School of Medicine Seattle, Washington 98104, USA. pmease@nwlink.com
Current Opinion in Rheumatology
|June 16, 2005
Summary
New anti-tumor necrosis factor agents demonstrate sustained effectiveness in treating psoriatic arthritis, improving symptoms and inhibiting disease progression. Focus on psoriatic arthritis diagnosis and treatment is increasing with novel therapies.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Psoriatic arthritis affects 6-39% of patients with psoriasis.
- Traditional disease-modifying agents have limitations in treating psoriatic arthritis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review 2004 data on psoriatic arthritis treatment.
- To evaluate newer therapeutic agents for psoriatic arthritis.
Main Methods:
- Review of placebo-controlled trials.
- Analysis of data from anti-tumor necrosis factor agents (etanercept, infliximab, adalimumab).
- Evaluation of T-cell inhibiting medications (efalizumab, alefacept).
Main Results:
- Anti-TNF agents show sustained effectiveness in controlling psoriatic arthritis symptoms and signs.
- These therapies improve quality of life, function, and inhibit radiologic progression.
- Efalizumab did not show statistically significant effectiveness in psoriatic arthritis treatment; alefacept trial results are pending.
Conclusions:
- Increased focus on psoriatic arthritis diagnosis and treatment.
- Emergence of newer, more effective drugs compared to traditional agents.
- Anti-TNF therapies represent a significant advancement in managing psoriatic arthritis.