Features of Neuropathic Pain Appear Common in Psoriatic Arthritis

Neuropathic pain features are common in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), with comorbid fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) being the main predictor, according to results of a cross-sectional study.

The researchers evaluated data of 118 consecutive patients with PsA with prevalent peripheral joint involvement. Each patient had undergone a comprehensive assessment of disease activity, physical function, and disease impact.

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The researchers assessed neuropathic pain features via the painDETECT screening questionnaire (PDQ). The presence of comorbid FMS and acute-phase reactants were also measured.

According to the PDQ results, a total of 30 patients had comorbid FMS—these patients had probable characteristics of neuropathic pain. Ambiguity was found in 21 patients,  and 67 patients were unlikely to have neuropathic pain.

Logistic regression analysis indicated that the only independent variable that explained the neuropathic pain features was the presence of comorbid FMS. When patients with comorbid FMS were excluded from the analysis, an association with disability—measured by the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index—appeared.

The PDQ scores were significantly higher in patients with PsA and comorbid FMS compared with patients without comorbid FMS.

—Melinda Stevens

Reference:

Di Carlo M, Muto P, Benfaremo D, Luchetti MM, Atzeni F, Salaffi F. The neuropathic pain features in psoriatic arthritis: a cross-sectional evaluation of prevalence and associated factors [published online December 1, 2019]. J Rheumatol. doi:10.3899/jrheum.190906.