How can I effectively monitor disease progression and treatment response in patients with psoriatic arthritis?

Effective monitoring of disease progression and treatment response in patients with psoriatic arthritis involves a comprehensive, individualized approach.

• Regular clinical assessment should include patient-reported outcomes, physical examination focusing on joint symptoms, spinal movements, extra-articular manifestations, and impact on daily function and activities.

• Laboratory tests such as ESR and CRP can be used to assess inflammation, but imaging and more specialized tests should be guided by specialist input.

• Monitoring frequency should be tailored based on symptom severity, disease activity, and treatment regimen.

• Medication adherence and response should be regularly reviewed, with consideration to switching or escalating therapy if symptoms remain uncontrolled.

• Biological DMARDs require specialist oversight for monitoring due to potential serious adverse effects including infection and immunosuppression.

• Primary care can play a role in ongoing monitoring of pharmacological treatments and symptom control, but specialist referral is essential if disease progression or treatment complications arise.

Summary: Use patient-reported outcomes, clinical examination, inflammatory markers, and specialist-guided investigations to monitor disease activity and treatment response regularly, adjusting management as needed in collaboration with rheumatology specialists ²,⁴.