Screening of psoriatic arthritis by dermatologists - a German nationwide survey

Up to 30% of psoriasis (PsO) is clinically associated with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). A large proportion of new onset of PsA is diagnosed at a later stage, despite the necessity of early effective treatment to prevent structural damage. This study aimed to identify the routine screening practices used for PsA in patients with PsO.

This non-interventional, prospective, epidemiological, cross-sectional study conducted in Germany focuses on screening activity and treatment selection of dermatological practices in suspected PsA. Descriptive statistics and patient characteristics were analyzed for different center types.

One hundred ninety-five patients from 34 office-based physicians, five non-university hospitals, and nine university hospitals were included. Questionnaires or imaging techniques were not routinely used (< 45%). Especially, ultrasounds (≤ 5%) and MRIs (< 6.3%) were rarely performed. Between 30% and 75% of suspected PsA could be confirmed. Referral to rheumatologists and/or appropriate therapy initiation were the most frequent consequences.

Results of this study reflect the status of PsA screening activity by dermatologists. Imaging techniques, particularly ultrasound or MRIs to detect early forms of PsA, were inadequately used, which may have contributed to continued underdiagnoses. Collaboration between dermatologists and rheumatologists should be reviewed with a view to improving effective PsA screening.