Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis Fulfilling the Minimal Disease Activity Criteria Do Not Have Swollen and Tender Joints, but Have Active Skin

J Rheumatol. 2016 May;43(5):907-10. doi: 10.3899/jrheum.151101. Epub 2016 Mar 1.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate components of the minimal disease activity (MDA) criteria in psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Methods: In patients achieving and not achieving MDA, fulfillment of each of the 7 criteria was evaluated.

Results: Among 41 patients with MDA, 7.4% did not fulfill the tender/swollen joint count whereas 49% did not fulfill the skin criteria. Of the 42 patients not fulfilling MDA, 100%, 76.5%, and 65% did not fulfill the patient pain score, the patient's global assessment, and the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), respectively.

Conclusion: A minority of patients with PsA fulfilling the MDA criteria presented active joints, but half had active skin. Visual analog scale scores and the PASI prevented patients from achieving MDA.

Keywords: MINIMAL DISEASE ACTIVITY; OUTCOME MEASURES; PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS; REMISSION.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Arthritis, Psoriatic / diagnosis*
  • Arthritis, Psoriatic / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Joints / pathology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Physical Examination
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Skin / pathology*