Psoriatic Arthritis and Sarcopenia: A CrossSectional Ultrasonographic Study

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Gerontology
• Musculoskeletal Health

Background:

• Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting joints and skin.
• Sarcopenia, characterized by age-related loss of muscle mass and strength, can impact quality of life and physical function.
• Factors associated with sarcopenia in PsA patients are not well-defined.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify the prevalence of sarcopenia in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA).
• To determine factors associated with sarcopenia in PsA.
• To evaluate the diagnostic utility of ultrasonography (USG) for sarcopenia in PsA.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study involving 54 PsA patients and 55 healthy controls, matched for age, gender, and BMI.
• Assessment of demographic data, anthropometric measurements, functional capacity (handgrip strength, gait speed), and disease activity using validated questionnaires (PSAID12, DAS28, BASDAI, DAPSA, PASI).
• Muscle mass evaluation using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and muscle thickness measurement via USG of quadriceps femoris muscles.

Main Results:

• Sarcopenia was diagnosed in 40.7% of PsA patients versus 21.8% of controls.
• Sarcopenia was associated with body mass index (BMI) and disease duration in PsA patients.
• USG revealed lower rectus femoris, vastus intermedius, and quadriceps muscle thickness in PsA patients with sarcopenia.
• Diagnostic cut-off values for sarcopenia using USG were established for specific thigh muscles.

Conclusions:

• PsA patients exhibit a higher prevalence of sarcopenia compared to healthy individuals.
• Ultrasonography (USG) offers a practical and acceptable method for assessing muscle mass and diagnosing sarcopenia in PsA.
• Further research may explore interventions to mitigate sarcopenia in PsA.