Signs of arthritis found in one in four psoriasis patients, new study reveals
Posted 13 September, 2024
One in four participants in a European wide study aimed at detecting early signs of psoriasis showed signs of possible arthritis.
This is according to the (opens in a new window)Hippocrates Prospective Observational Study (HPOS), which involves researchers at University College Dublin, in partnership with the University of Oxford, a project monitoring people with psoriasis to see if psoriatic arthritis - a painful inflammatory disease that can cause permanent joint damage - can be spotted and treated earlier.
The initial results of the ongoing study found that of the approximately 1,500 participants who have so far registered and completed its online evaluation tool, one in four showed evidence of possible arthritis.
“This study aims to find ways to identify which patients with psoriasis are likely to go on to develop psoriatic arthritis by developing a simple blood test that would catch the disease before there are any obvious symptoms,” said consultant rheumatologist at St Vincent's University Hospital and study co-lead, (opens in a new window)Professor Oliver FitzGerald, UCD School of Medicine.
“In this way, we hope to be able to intervene at a much earlier stage to prevent the disease from actually occurring by modifying risk factors or by offering preventative therapies.
“This study’s initial findings underscore the importance of patient participation in building a comprehensive understanding of the early warning signs of psoriatic arthritis. I would encourage any person with psoriasis, who is over 18 years of age, and who has not been diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis, to take part. It could be the difference between an early diagnosis and prompt action, or a delayed diagnosis and significant joint damage.”
The HPOS study (opens in a new window)continues to be open to anyone over 18 years who has been diagnosed with psoriasis, unless already diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis.
Taking place completely online, participants are asked questions about their psoriasis and other medical conditions, any musculoskeletal symptoms that they may have, treatments they are receiving, and details of their lifestyle.
By: David Kearns, Digital Journalist / Media Officer, UCD University Relations
To contact the UCD News & Content Team, email: newsdesk@ucd.ie
