The study titled “Higher Levels of High-sensitivity CRP Are Associated with Future Risk of Developing Psoriatic Arthritis Among Patients with Psoriasis” investigates whether high levels of high-sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP), a marker of inflammation in the body, can help predict which psoriasis patients are more likely to develop psoriatic arthritis (PsA).
Researchers followed 589 psoriasis patients, who did not initially have PsA, for an average of 7.5 years. They collected patient data, including demographics, psoriasis symptoms, medications, and joint issues, and measured hs-CRP levels at the beginning of the study. Each year, a rheumatologist assessed the patients for signs of PsA.
The study found that patients with higher hs-CRP levels were more likely to develop PsA over time. For example, patients who already had joint pain (arthralgia), obesity, or were female showed higher hs-CRP levels. In both men and women, higher hs-CRP levels significantly increased the risk of developing PsA, even after considering other risk factors.
In conclusion, the study suggests that elevated hs-CRP levels can be a useful indicator of which psoriasis patients are at higher risk of developing psoriatic arthritis, potentially helping with earlier diagnosis and intervention.