Links Between Patients With Biologically Treated Psoriatic Arthritis and Atopic Dermatitis

A study published in the Journal of Personalized Medicine found that psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and atopic dermatitis (AD) may coexist, which could require special attention when selecting the optimal biologic agent.

Researchers conducted a retrospective analysis aimed to investigate the prevalence and clinical implications of AD in patients with PsA undergoing biologic therapy for their active disease. The study included 64 patients with PsA receiving various biologic agents over a follow-up period of up to 10 years.

Results indicated that approximately one-third of the patients had atopic diseases, with AD being the most prevalent (52.6%), followed by atopic rhinitis (31.6%) and allergic asthma (15.8%). Three morphologic patterns of AD were observed, including chronic prurigo, chronic lichen simplex, and eczemas. Interestingly, all patients with PsA who also had concomitant AD experienced a late onset of skin atopy in their adult life.

Furthermore, patients with both PsA and AD exhibited a specific demographic profile, characterized by younger age, urban residence, and an equal distribution between genders. Notably, these patients required switching to a higher number of biologics to achieve disease control.

In conclusion, PsA and AD may coexist in a subset of patients, underscoring the importance of considering AD when selecting the optimal biologic agent for PsA treatment. This study highlights the need for special attention to the management of patients with PsA and concomitant AD to ensure effective disease control and improve patient outcomes.

Reference
Strugariu G, Pomîrleanu C, Russu M, et al. Long-term outcomes of patients with biologically treated psoriatic arthritis and atopic dermatitis—a single-center experience. J Pers Med. Published online April 17, 2024. doi:10.3390/jpm14040427