PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS

Age – 30-50 years.
5% of people are affected with Psoriasis get Psoriatic arthritis.

Cause – Genetic - HLA B27.

Clinical features – Asymmetric oligo- arthritis or polyarthritis affecting some inter- phalangeal joints of fingers or toes. Also sacroiliac joint involments and heel pains are common.

X-Ray – Small and large joint involvement are similar to RA

How to differentiate for Rheumatoid Arthritis :

1. Asymmetric joint involvement
2. Distal finger joint involvement
3. Sacroilities
4. Absence of Rheumatoid nodules.

Treatment –

• Control of skin disease
• Pain killers
• Low dose immuno suppressors
• Splintage to avoid deformities
• Surgery over the joints – Joint replacement
• Joint fusion