Consensus-based recommendations on the diagnosis, referral and clinical management of patients with psoriatic arthritis

Abstract

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a highly heterogeneous disease with complex manifestations. Limited understanding of the disease and non-availability of local guidelines pose challenges in the management of PsA in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, this expert consensus is aimed to provide recommendations on the management of patients with PsA, including referral pathway, definition of remission and treat-to-target (T2T) approach. A Delphi technique of consensus development was used involving an expert panel comprised of 10 rheumatologists, one dermatologist and one family physician. Based on the review of available published evidence and the opinions of clinical experts, key recommendations were developed. A consensus was achieved in defining the following: management guideline adaptable for Saudi Arabia, most useful screening tool, laboratory investigations, imaging tests and criteria for referring suspected PsA patients to a rheumatologist. In addition, an agreement was achieved in defining the T2T strategy and remission for the clinical management of PsA. Overall, these recommendations provide an evidence-based framework for the management of PsA patients in Saudi Arabia.

Keywords: Early diagnosis; Expert consensus; Psoriatic arthritis; Referral pathway; Remission; Treat-to-target.