All content on this site is intended for healthcare professionals only. By acknowledging this message and accessing the information on this website you are confirming that you are a healthcare professional.

The PsOPsA Hub uses cookies on this website. They help us give you the best online experience. By continuing to use our website without changing your cookie settings, you agree to our use of cookies in accordance with our updated Cookie Policy

Introducing

Now you can personalise
your PsOPsA Hub experience!

Bookmark content to read later

Select your specific areas of interest

View content recommended for you

Find out more
  TRANSLATE

The PsOPsA Hub website uses a third-party service provided by Google that dynamically translates web content. Translations are machine generated, so may not be an exact or complete translation, and the PsOPsA Hub cannot guarantee the accuracy of translated content. The PsOPsA Hub and its employees will not be liable for any direct, indirect, or consequential damages (even if foreseeable) resulting from use of the Google Translate feature. For further support with Google Translate, visit Google Translate Help.

Steering CommitteeAbout UsNewsletterContact
LOADING
You're logged in! Click here any time to manage your account or log out.
LOADING
You're logged in! Click here any time to manage your account or log out.
2023-06-23T11:07:42.000Z

Updated GRAPPA treatment guidelines for psoriatic arthritis

Jun 23, 2023
Share:
Learning objective: After reading this article, learners will be able to explain the considerations for optimal, individualized treatment selection as outlined by the updated GRAPPA treatment recommendations for psoriatic arthritis.

Test your knowledge! Take our quick quiz before and after you read this article to find out if you improved your knowledge. Results help us to improve content and continually provide open-access education.

The Good Care Campaign for Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) affects both the joints and skin of individuals who may also have psoriasis.1 Approximately 33% of individuals with psoriasis experience joint pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints, leading to irreversible damage if left untreated.2 PsA can also trigger inflammation in various parts of the body, such as the eyes, heart, lungs, and kidneys.3

Unfortunately, there is a lack of understanding about the nature and impact of living with this disease, including its manifestations and related symptoms.1 Despite PsA being the second most common inflammatory joint disease,4 causing significant stiffness, swelling, and pain that often leads to disability,5 there remains a lack of awareness regarding the immense burden it places on individuals and society.1

Access to adequate care and treatment6

The management of PsA often involves uncertainties, making it difficult to achieve successful outcomes for individuals affected by the disease. However, recent guidelines, such as the Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (GRAPPA) guidelines, include the implementation of treat-to-target (T2T) strategies. T2T approaches have been widely accepted in the treatment of other forms of arthritis and other inflammatory diseases, but they may not broadly be used in the management of PsA. The GRAPPA guidelines consider various domains of symptoms and tailor treatment targets accordingly. Many individuals living with PsA face significant challenges, including the inability to work due to this debilitating condition and the need for frequent and costly treatments.

CALL TO ACTION

IFPA’s Good Care Campaign for Psoriatic Arthritis is raising awareness among healthcare providers to adopt T2T strategies in the management of PsA. IFPA advocates for clearer guidelines and further research to support effective treatment plans for individuals with PsA. IFPA also raises awareness about the impact of PsA on individuals' lives and the broader community. The personal and financial burden of PsA cannot be overlooked. The frequent need for medical appointments, medications, and specialized treatments can place a heavy strain on individuals and their families. Moreover, the societal impact, including lost productivity and increased healthcare costs, further highlights the urgency for better treatment support and resources. 


Recognizing comorbidities and the need for multidisciplinary care6

PsA is often associated with several comorbidities, including depression, anxiety, diabetes, and inflammatory bowel disease. These associated conditions can significantly impact an individual's quality of life. Therefore, it is crucial to consider the presence of comorbidities when formulating treatment plans to provide the best possible care and prevent or treat these associated conditions. The GRAPPA guidelines support decision-making and take into account comorbidities (Figures 1 and 2).

Figure 1. Treatment schema* 

*Adapted from Coates, et al.6

 

Figure 2. Summary recommendations for PsA treatment in the case of comorbidities* 

*Adapted from Coates, et al.6

 

CALL TO ACTION

Breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and PsA by integrating mental health and wellbeing support for care is crucial. Encouraging healthcare providers to connect people living with PsA to patient organizations is important. IFPA advocates for comprehensive care that addresses not only PsA but also the associated comorbidities, and supports research efforts to better understand the connections between PsA and these conditions.


Addressing inclusive and comprehensive care, including sexual and reproductive concerns6

Women of reproductive age and their partners may experience unique symptoms that require individualized treatment options. It is essential for healthcare providers to have open conversations with patients, discussing their needs and exploring different therapy options until they find what works best for them.

CALL TO ACTION
IFPA calls for inclusive and comprehensive care for individuals with PsA, including addressing sexual health and reproductive concerns. IFPA advocates for healthcare providers to proactively engage in conversations about these topics and provide appropriate resources and support

 

  1. Armstrong A, Bohannan B, Mburu S, et al. Patient perspectives on psoriatic disease burden: Results from the Global Psoriasis and Beyond Survey. Dermatology. 2023. Online ahead of print. DOI: 1159/000528945
  2. Versus Arthritis. Psoriatic arthritis. https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/psoriatic-arthritis/. Accessed Jun 15, 2023.
  3. Arthritis Foundation. Beyond joints: How psoriatic arthritis affects the body. https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/about-arthritis/related-conditions/other-diseases/how-psoriatic-arthritis-affects-the-body. Updated Apr 21, 2023. Accessed Jun 15, 2023.
  4. Veale DJ. Psoriatic arthritis: recent progress in pathophysiology and drug development. Arthritis Res Ther. 2013;15(6):224. DOI: 1186/ar4414
  5. Dures E, Bowen C, Brooke M, et al. Diagnosis and initial management in psoriatic arthritis: a qualitative study with patients. Rheumatol Adv Pract. 2019;3(2):rkz022. DOI: 1093/rap/rkz022
  6. Coates LC, Soriano ER, Corp N, et al. Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (GRAPPA): updated treatment recommendations for psoriatic arthritis 2021. Nat Rev Rheumatol. 2022;18(8):465-479. DOI: 1038/s41584-022-00798-0

Your opinion matters

HCPs, what is your preferred format for educational content on the PsOPsA Hub?
2 votes - 38 days left ...

Newsletter

Subscribe to get the best content related to Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis delivered to your inbox