Psoriatic arthritis: evolving concepts

Articles included in this review reflect the recent advances made in basic research and the clinical management of psoriatic arthritis in 1999. Some o f these advances are destined to modify the current approach to the disease . The problems related to nosology and epidemiology, the two still controve rsial aspects, are discussed first. Genetic susceptibility to psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, and the inciting role played by some bacteria, are co nfirmed, and attention is focused on the role of T cells, cytokines, adhesi on molecules, and angio-genetic factors in the skin and synovial membrane. New classification criteria are provided and a simplified spectrum of the d isease seems to emerge from clinical studies, Modern imaging techniques ena ble early articular changes to be discovered, support innovative pathogenet ic hypotheses, and allow new therapeutic approaches. (C) 2000 Lippincott Wi lliams & Wilkins, Inc.