Remission in psoriatic arthritis

Objective, To determine the frequency of remission in psoriatic arthritis ( PsA), to describe the characteristics of remission in PsA, and to identify features associated with remission in PsA. Methods. Patients with PsA are followed prospectively according to a standa rd protocol. Only patients with greater than or equal to3 visits and those with peripheral arthritis were included in this study. Patients who sustain ed remission, defined as no actively inflamed joints on at least 3 consecut ive visits, were compared to patients with persistent inflammation througho ut the followup period (nonremission). Results. Among 391 patients with peripheral arthritis and greater than or e qual to3 visits, 69 patients sustained remission and 175 had persistent inf lammatory activity. The frequency of remission was thus 17.6%. The average duration of remission was 2.6 years. However, 52% of the patients experienc ed flare after a mean of 1.8 years. Univariate analyses revealed that male sex, fewer actively inflamed and damaged joints, and better functional clas s at presentation to clinic were associated with remission. Conclusion. Remission does occur in PsA and may be prolonged. There are cli nical characteristics of patients at their first clinic Visit that are asso ciated with future remission.