Remission in psoriatic arthritis.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the frequency of remission in psoriatic arthritis (PsA), to describe the characteristics of remission in PsA, and to identify features associated with remission in PsA.

METHODS

Patients with PsA are followed prospectively according to a standard protocol. Only patients with > or =3 visits and those with peripheral arthritis were included in this study. Patients who sustained remission, defined as no actively inflamed joints on at least 3 consecutive visits, were compared to patients with persistent inflammation throughout the followup period (nonremission).

RESULTS

Among 391 patients with peripheral arthritis and > or =3 visits, 69 patients sustained remission and 178 had persistent inflammatory activity. The frequency of remission was thus 17.6%. The average duration of remission was 2.6 years. However, 52% of the patients experienced flare after a mean of 1.8 years. Univariate analyses revealed that male sex, fewer actively inflamed and damaged joints, and better functional class at presentation to clinic were associated with remission.

CONCLUSION

Remission does occur in PsA and may be prolonged. There are clinical characteristics of patients at their first clinic visit that are associated with future remission.