Current perspectives in the recognition and management of psoriatic arthritis: Implications for integrated patient care

Psoriatic arthritis (Ps), a chronic and debilitating spondyloarthropathy, is believed to affect as many as 30% of those with psoriasis. The use of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors shows promise in the treatment of PsA and psoriasis. Etanercept, the first TNF inhibitor to be approved for use in PsA, inhibits the proinflammatory cytokine TNF in both conditions, making it possible for the clinician to prescribe a single agent to manage both the joint manifestations of PsA and the cutaneous manifestations of psoriasis. Etanercept has been shown to be well tolerated, even for long-term use, and is potentially superior to disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs.