Current and relevant concepts in psoriatic arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a systemic, polymorphic joint disease with variable presentation and clinical course. The outcome depends on the association with severe comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia. Early diagnosis requires a high degree of clinical suspicion, especially when skin manifestations are subtle and poorly defined. Progressive erosive disease can occur in up to half of patients, associated with anatomical and functional changes in about 20%. Thus, the prognosis of PsA remains unclear, especially if diagnosis and treatment are delayed. Based on extensive literature review (PubMed and Lilacs) and experience of our services, new concepts of immunogenetics, pathophysiology, and clinical and therapeutic aspects are discussed. Factors that reduce the quality of life and life expectancy of patients, as well as new guidelines for treatment, will be emphasized. Control of inflammation, especially in enthesitis and axial forms of PsA, was made possible due to the introduction of anti-TNF biologics. Finally, the role of GRAPPA (Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis) should be emphasized, since it promotes meetings and joint studies between rheumatologists and dermatologists to provide scientific evidence for the sweeping changes in clinical management and treatment of patients with PsA.