Abstract
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is an inflammatory arthritis associated with irreversible joint damage in a subset of individuals. There is a need to screen early for this condition to prevent damage. To meet this need, we have developed the psoriatic arthritis screening and evaluation (PASE) questionnaire. The 15-item PASE questionnaire was administered to 190 individuals with either psoriasis or PsA. The PASE questionnaire was readministered to a subset of individuals with PsA in order to assess test–retest reliability and sensitivity-to-change. Receiver operator curves were constructed to optimize sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of PsA. Of the 190 participating in the study, 19.5% (37/191) participants were diagnosed with PsA. PASE total scores ranged from 15 to 74 (possible range, 15–75). The PsA group had a median Total score of 51 (25th and 75th percentile 44 and 57), and non-PsA group had a median total score of 34 (25th and 75th percentile 21 and 49) (p < 0.001). A PASE total score of 44 was able to distinguish PsA from non-PsA participants with 76% sensitivity and 76% specificity. Furthermore, 13 of the 15 items demonstrated significant test–retest reliability as assessed by Pearson correlation coefficient (r ≥ 0.5). PASE was sensitive-to-change with therapy; PASE scores were significantly lower for PsA individuals after systemic therapy (p < 0.034). The PASE questionnaire is a valid and reliable tool to screen for active PsA among individuals with psoriasis. PASE scores may be used as a marker of therapeutic response.
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Acknowledgments
Supported by grant number T32 AR007098-34 from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases to the Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
Conflict of interest statement
Dr. Qureshi is a consultant and has spoken for Abbott, Amgen, and Genentech. Dr. Husni is a consultant for Amgen, Genentech, UCB, and Roche. Dr. Husni has also been a consultant and has spoken for Centocor. Dr. Dominguez, Ms. Holt, and Ms. Tyler declare that they have no conflict of interest.
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Dominguez, P.L., Husni, M.E., Holt, E.W. et al. Validity, reliability, and sensitivity-to-change properties of the psoriatic arthritis screening and evaluation questionnaire. Arch Dermatol Res 301, 573–579 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-009-0981-3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-009-0981-3