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 NICE CKS,NICE NG65.