What percentage of children with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis (PsA)?

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From the Guidelines

Psoriatic Arthritis in Children with Psoriasis

Approximately 6-10% of children with psoriasis will develop psoriatic arthritis (PsA) 1. The risk of developing PsA is higher in children with more severe psoriasis.

  • The majority of cases emerge within a variable timeframe, but early recognition is crucial for effective management.
  • PsA can develop at any time from childhood onwards, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe, including stiffness, pain, swelling, and tenderness of the joints and surrounding ligaments and tendons 1.
  • Early treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) can help mitigate joint damage and improve long-term outcomes.
  • It is essential to screen for PsA through history and physical examination, particularly in children with psoriasis who develop joint pain, swelling, or stiffness 1.
  • Providers should also be aware of the potential for uveitis in pediatric patients with PsA, with a prevalence ranging from 1.5% to 25% 1.

From the Research

Psoriatic Arthritis Development in Children with Psoriasis

  • The development of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in children with psoriasis is estimated to occur in a certain percentage of people with psoriasis, however the provided studies do not specifically mention the percentage for children.
  • According to the study 2, PsA is estimated to occur in 10-15% of people with psoriasis in general, but it does not provide information specific to children.
  • The study 3 discusses the correlation between psoriatic arthritis and nail changes, but does not provide information on the percentage of children with psoriasis who develop PsA.
  • There is no specific information provided in the studies to determine the exact percentage of children with psoriasis who develop PsA.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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