Psoriatic Arthritis Linked to greater Mental, Functional Impact Than Rheumatoid Arthritis
Table of Contents
- Psoriatic Arthritis Linked to greater Mental, Functional Impact Than Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Psoriatic Arthritis vs. Rheumatoid Arthritis: Understanding the Differences
- What is the main finding of the recent study comparing psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?
- What is psoriatic arthritis (PsA)?
- What is rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?
- What did the study measure to compare PsA and RA?
- Did patients with PsA and RA have different levels of pain and fatigue at the beginning of the study?
- Were there any differences in mental health between PsA and RA patients at the start of the disease?
- Did the mental health disparity between PsA and RA patients persist after targeted therapy?
- Were there differences in Functional Limitations between PsA and RA patients after targeted therapy?
- What are some of the key differences in experiences between people with PsA and RA?
- Why might PsA patients experience greater functional limitations and poorer mental health than RA patients?
- What are the implications of this study for patient care?
- Where can I find out more about this study?
A recent study reveals that individuals diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) experience more significant functional and mental health limitations one year post-diagnosis compared to those with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), despite similar pain and fatigue levels at the onset of targeted therapy.
While both rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis substantially diminish the quality of life for those affected, research indicates disparities in the specific challenges faced by patients. A team led by Selinde Snoeck Henkemans at Erasmus University Medical Center in Rotterdam discovered that, one year after diagnosis, PsA patients reported greater functional impairment and poorer mental well-being than their RA counterparts.
Initial Functional Status Shows No Significant Difference
The study, drawing upon data from 1,093 RA patients and 515 PsA patients with oligo- or polyarthritis from three Dutch cohorts, assessed quality of life using patient-reported outcomes (PROs). Researchers utilized visual analog scales (VAS, 0-100) to measure pain and fatigue, the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI, 0-3) to gauge functional limitations, a VAS (General health, 0-100) to evaluate overall health, and the SF-36 (5-80) to measure health effects.
Researchers matched RA and PsA patients based on demographic data and disease activity using propensity scores. Linear regression analysis indicated that both groups exhibited comparable pain, fatigue, and functional limitations at the time of diagnosis, suggesting similar initial disease impact. though, a notable difference emerged in mental health, with PsA patients reporting significantly poorer mental well-being at the start of the disease compared to RA patients.
One year following targeted therapy, while the disparity in mental health lessened somewhat, it persisted.Moreover,PsA patients continued to report greater limitations in their activities compared to RA patients.Pain and fatigue levels remained statistically similar between the two groups.
The underlying reasons for the greater mental and functional burden in PsA patients compared to RA patients remain unclear.Researchers suggest that increased extra-articular manifestations of PsA,such as psoriasis and enthesitis,may contribute to this difference.
Implications for Patient Care
The study’s findings underscore the importance for clinicians to recognize that PsA patients may experience more pronounced limitations in quality of life than RA patients, even after several months of targeted therapy. Mental health and physical functionality warrant particular attention in the management of this patient population.
Psoriatic Arthritis vs. Rheumatoid Arthritis: Understanding the Differences
What is the main finding of the recent study comparing psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?
The study revealed that individuals with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) experience more significant functional and mental health limitations one year after diagnosis compared to those with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This is despite similar levels of pain and fatigue at the start of targeted therapy.
What is psoriatic arthritis (PsA)?
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a type of arthritis that affects some people who have psoriasis, a skin condition that causes red patches of skin with silvery scales. PsA causes pain,swelling,and stiffness in the joints,and can also affect other parts of the body.
What is rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that primarily affects the joints. It can cause painful swelling, stiffness, and eventually joint deformity.
What did the study measure to compare PsA and RA?
The study, conducted by Selinde Snoeck henkemans and her team at Erasmus University Medical Centre in Rotterdam, used patient-reported outcomes (PROs) to assess the quality of life in both PsA and RA patients. They used:
visual Analog Scales (VAS, 0-100) to measure pain and fatigue.
Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI, 0-3) to gauge functional limitations.
VAS (General health,0-100) to evaluate overall health.
SF-36 (5-80) to measure health effects.
Did patients with PsA and RA have different levels of pain and fatigue at the beginning of the study?
No, the study found that both groups had comparable pain and fatigue levels at the time of diagnosis.
Were there any differences in mental health between PsA and RA patients at the start of the disease?
yes, a notable difference emerged in mental health. PsA patients reported significantly poorer mental well-being compared to RA patients at the start of the disease.
Did the mental health disparity between PsA and RA patients persist after targeted therapy?
While the disparity in mental health lessened somewhat,it persisted one year following targeted therapy.
Were there differences in Functional Limitations between PsA and RA patients after targeted therapy?
Yes, PsA patients continued to report greater limitations in their activities compared to RA patients even after a year of targeted therapy.
What are some of the key differences in experiences between people with PsA and RA?
Here’s a table summarizing the key differences found in the study:
| Feature | Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) | Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) |
| :———————— | :———————————————- | :—————————————- |
| Pain & Fatigue | Similar at the start of targeted therapy | Similar at the start of targeted therapy |
| Functional Limitations | Greater limitations after one year | Less limitations after one year |
| Mental Well-being | Poorer at the start and after one year | better at the start and after one year |
Why might PsA patients experience greater functional limitations and poorer mental health than RA patients?
The underlying reasons are still unclear. The researchers suggest that increased extra-articular manifestations of PsA, such as psoriasis and enthesitis (inflammation where tendons and ligaments attach to bones), may contribute to this difference.
What are the implications of this study for patient care?
The study highlights the importance for clinicians to acknowledge that psa patients may experience more pronounced limitations in quality of life than RA patients, even after several months of targeted therapy. it underscores that mental health and physical functionality warrant particular attention in managing this patient population.
Where can I find out more about this study?
You can find more information about the study in the following source:
* Snoeck Henkemans SVJ et al.RMD Open 2025; 11: e005143; DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2024-005143
