Neuropathic Pain Worsens Disease Severity in Psoriatic Arthritis Patients

In a recent study published in the Frontiers in Medicine underscore the significant impact of neuropathic pain (NP) on disease activity assessment in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). 

This study was conducted as a cross-sectional analysis which involved a total of 246 PsA patients and excluded the individuals with prior diagnoses of fibromyalgia, depression, anxiety, diabetes or dyslipidemia under treatment. Utilizing the painDETECT questionnaire Esther Toledano and team identified NP in 17.1% of the participants.

The results revealed several correlations in which the patients with NP showed higher levels of leptin. Leptin is commonly associated with obesity which indicates a potential link between NP and metabolic health. Also, poor sleep quality was significantly associated with NP that suggests a bidirectional relationship between sleep disturbances and neuropathic pain.

Fatigue levels were markedly higher in patients with NP when compared to those without by indicating the debilitating impact of NP on daily functioning. NP was found to be correlated with worse disease activity as measured by the clinical Disease Activity Index for Psoriatic Arthritis (cDAPSA) by highlighting the need for comprehensive pain management strategies in PsA patients.

This study emphasized the importance of recognizing and addressing NP in PsA management by underscoring the complex relationship between pain, comorbidities and disease severity in Psoriatic Arthritis patients. This research provides valuable insights into the multifaceted nature of pain in PsA and calls for an inclusive approach to patient care. Addressing neuropathic pain and its related factors will help healthcare providers to potentially enhance the quality of life and overall outcomes for individuals with Psoriatic Arthritis.

Source: 

Toledano, E., Queiro, R., Gómez-Lechón, L., Chacón, C. C., Hidalgo, C., Ibañez, M., Díaz-Álvarez, A., & Montilla, C. (2024). Influence of comorbidities not associated with fibromyalgia on neuropathic pain in patients with psoriatic arthritis: relationship with clinical parameters. In Frontiers in Medicine (Vol. 11). Frontiers Media SA. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2024.1331761