[PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS IN CHILDREN: CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CLINICAL PICTURE]

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Rheumatology
• Dermatology

Background:

• Psoriatic arthritis (PSA) is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting joints and skin.
• Understanding the specific clinical course in pediatric populations is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To delineate the characteristic clinical features of psoriatic arthritis in children.
• To identify patterns in disease onset, symptom progression, and joint involvement in pediatric PSA.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 83 pediatric patients diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis.
• Evaluation of the timing of skin and articular syndrome development.
• Assessment of disease onset patterns, including age of debut and initial symptoms.

Main Results:

• The majority of pediatric PSA cases debut around 6.5 years of age.
• Disease onset frequently involves initial skin lesions followed by joint involvement.
• Common presentations include asymmetric oligoarthritis, spondylitis with peripheral joint involvement, and a notable prevalence of symmetric rheumatoid-like arthritis and periarticular osteoporosis, contrasting with existing literature.

Conclusions:

• Pediatric psoriatic arthritis exhibits distinct clinical features compared to adult forms.
• Early onset and specific patterns of joint and skin manifestations, including rheumatoid-like arthritis and osteoporosis, characterize childhood PSA.
• These findings necessitate tailored diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for pediatric patients.