title: Psoriatic arthritis: a review.
abstract: Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is an immunologically triggered, chronic inflammatory arthropathy, which can have a lasting influence on the quality of life of affected individuals. An early diagnosis is essential in order to institute adequate therapy. Both dermatologists and rheumatologists should be involved in the diagnosis and management of the disorder. Mild forms can be managed with NSAID and systemic corticosteroids. In acute forms with a confirmed diagnosis and oligo- to polyarticular involvement, disease-modifying therapy with DMARD (Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs) is indicated. New studies of PsA show that tumor necrosis factor (TNF) plays a central role in mediating inflammation. For this reason, TNF-alpha antagonists have become more and more important as a second-line therapy for PsA.
authors.affiliation: University Hospital Heidelberg, Department of Dermatology, Heidelberg, Germany. anne.hoekstra@med.uni-heidelberg.de
authors.forename: Anne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Amherd-Hoekstra
authors.forename: Helmut
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Näher
authors.forename: Hanns-Martin
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Lorenz
authors.forename: Alexander H
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Enk
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000938:Antigen-Presenting Cells / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015535:Arthritis, Psoriatic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D011788:Quality of Life; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha