Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Symptoms in Patients with Psoriasis and Predictors Associated with the Development of Psoriatic Arthritis: Retrospective Analysis of a US Claims Database.

introductionPsoriasis (PsO) is associated with the development of psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Patients with PsO often experience pre-PsA musculoskeletal (MSK) symptoms, leading to potential structural damage and substantial disease burden with impact on function. The objective of this study is to describe prevalence rates and evidence of MSK symptoms, including incidence of comorbid PsA diagnosis, in patients newly diagnosed with PsO and identify factors associated with PsA diagnosis.

methodsThis retrospective analysis included administrative claims from the Optum Research Database for adult patients with a new PsO diagnosis between January 2008 and February 2019. Eligible patients had ≥ 2 claims for PsO on unique dates, were aged ≥ 18 years at the date of the first claim with a diagnosis of PsO (index date), and had continuous enrollment with medical and pharmacy coverage for 12 months before (baseline period) and ≥ 12 months following the index date. Primary outcomes were incidence of comorbid PsA diagnosis, prevalence of MSK symptoms other than PsA, and evidence of MSK symptoms collected at baseline and assessed in 12-month intervals through 60 months.

resultsOf the 116,203 patients with newly diagnosed PsO, 110,118 were without baseline comorbid PsA. High prevalence rates of MSK symptoms among patients with only PsO were seen at baseline (47.1%), 12 months (48.2%), and 60 months (82.1%). Patient age, baseline MSK symptoms, and baseline MSK symptom-related healthcare utilization were associated with increased hazard of a PsA diagnosis.

conclusionIncreased prevalence rates of MSK symptoms and burden are experienced by patients newly diagnosed with PsO through 60 months of follow-up. Several baseline factors were associated with increased risk of PsA diagnosis.