A new tool, called PRESTO, has been developed and validated to help pinpoint psoriasis patients who are at a heightened risk of developing psoriatic arthritis.
This identification can aid in introducing preventive therapies.
The research, which was published in Arthritis & Rheumatology, closely followed 635 psoriasis patients from the University of Toronto psoriasis cohort.
During the study: 51 patients developed psoriatic arthritis in a 1-year follow-up. 71 patients developed the condition within a 5-year follow-up.
Risk Factors Identified
The study highlighted several risk factors for psoriatic arthritis development:
Within 1 year: Younger age, Male gender, Family history of psoriasis, Back stiffness, Nail pitting, Joint stiffness, Use of biologic medications, Poor overall health, Pain severity
Within 5 years: Morning stiffness, Psoriatic nail lesions, Psoriasis severity, Fatigue, Pain, Use of systemic non-biologic medication or phototherapy
About the PRESTO Tool
Using the above data, PRESTO employs a mathematical model to provide an estimate of a patient’s likelihood of developing psoriatic arthritis. An online version of the PRESTO calculator is now available for public use.
Potential Implications
Dr. Lihi Eder, the corresponding author from Women’s College Hospital and the University of Toronto, highlighted the significance of the PRESTO tool.
It can serve as an invaluable resource in efforts to curtail the progression from psoriasis to psoriatic arthritis. This tool has the potential to:
- Enhance prevention trials by focusing on at-risk populations.
- Pinpoint psoriasis patients who could gain from early intervention.
- Act as an educational resource, raising patient awareness regarding the risk of psoriatic arthritis.
Dr. Eder expressed hope that initiatives like these could significantly enhance the quality of life for individuals with psoriatic conditions.
If you care about arthritis, please read studies about extra virgin olive oil for arthritis, and pomegranate: A natural treatment for rheumatoid arthritis.
For more information about arthritis, please see recent studies about how to live pain-free with arthritis, and results showing medical cannabis may help reduce arthritis pain, back pain.
The study was published in Arthritis & Rheumatology.
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