Screening for PsA and Selecting Right Biologic Therapy

The focus shifts to the selection of biologic therapies for plaque psoriasis. With a plethora of options available, including TNF blockers, IL-12/23 blockers, IL-17 blockers, and IL-23 blockers, Saakshi Khattri, MD, emphasizes the importance of screening for psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in psoriasis patients. She stresses the need for proactive steps, like asking about joint stiffness or pain to identify symptoms indicative of PsA. Khattri highlights that though the inclination of a dermatologists to refer psoriasis patients with suspected arthritis to rheumatologists, the lengthy wait times for rheumatologist appointments require dermatologists take active steps in identifying and addressing PsA. The consensus is that even a simple inquiry about joint pain can lead to early detection of PsA, which in turn, should influence treatment decisions regarding biologic therapies for psoriasis.

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