Inconsistencies of the Disease Activity Assessment Tools for Psoriatic Arthritis: Challenges to Rheumatologists


Gezer H. H., DURUÖZ M. T., Nas K., Kılıç E., Sargın B., Kasman S. A., ...More

Joint Bone Spine, vol.89, no.3, 2022 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 89 Issue: 3
  • Publication Date: 2022
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.jbspin.2021.105296
  • Journal Name: Joint Bone Spine
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE
  • Keywords: Remission, Disease activity, Psoriatic arthritis, Composite index
  • Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

© 2021 Société française de rhumatologieObjective: Currently, concerning the evaluation of psoriatic arthritis (PsA), there is no agreement on a standardized composite index for disease activity that includes all relevant domains. The present study sought to assess the rates of remission (REM)/low disease activity (LDA) and disease states [minimal disease activity (MDA), very low disease activity (VLDA)] as defined by diverse activity scales (DAPSA, DAS28-ESR) in an attempt to display discrepancies across these assessment tools for peripheral PsA. Methods: The study involved 758 patients (496 females, 262 males; mean age 47,1 years) with peripheral PsA who were registered to the Turkish League Against Rheumatism (TLAR) Network. The patients were assessed using the DAS28-ESR, DAPSA, MDA, and VLDA. The overall yield of each scale was assessed in identifying REM and LDA. The presence or absence of swollen joints was separately analysed. Results: The median disease duration was 4 years (range 0-44 years). According to DAPSA and DAS28-ESR, REM was achieved in 6.9% and 19.5% of the patients, respectively. The rates of MDA and VLDA were 16% and 2.9%, respectively. Despite the absence of swollen joints, a significant portion of patients were not considered to be in REM (296 (39.1%) patients with DAS28-ESR, 364 (48%) with DAPSA, and 394 (52%) with VLDA). Conclusion: Patients with peripheral PsA may be assigned to diverse disease activity levels when assessed with the DAS28-ESR, DAPSA, MDA and VLDA, which would inevitably have clinical implications. In patients with PsA a holistic approach seems to be necessary which includes other domains apart from joint involvement, such as skin involvement, enthesitis, spinal involvement, and patient-reported outcomes.