Neuropathic Pain in Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis: A Bystander or a Gamechanger?

Abstract

Objectives
 
 The relationship between clinical and laboratory parameters associated with the neuropathic pain presence in Psoriatic Arthritis is not well known and has not been adequately studied. Based on these assumptions, the aim of our study is to investigate how often neuropathic pain occurs in Psoriatic Arthritis patients and how much it is related to the clinical and laboratory parameters of the disease.
 
 Methods
 
 In the cross-sectional study, 45 Psoriatic Arthritis patients diagnosed according to The Classification Criteria for Psoriatics were included. In our study, Pain Detect Questionnaire (PDQ) was used to assess the neuropathic pain characteristics. Presence of enthesitis was determined by SPARCC to ensure objective measurements. Functional status was evaluated with the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ). The Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire was used to evaluate the quality of life.
 
 Results
 
 A total of 45 patients were included in the study. The mean duration of symptoms was 78.91 ± 95.8 months. There are 16 patients receiving Nsaid treatment, 28 patients receiving DMARD treatment, and 13 patients receiving biological therapy. Among the patients included in the study, 30 patients with neuropathic pain and 15 without neuropathic pain were found according to the Pain Detect questionnaire. A significant difference was observed between these two groups in the results of DAPSA, VAS movement, HAQ, morning stiffness, and SF-36 Body pain.
 
 Conclusion
 
 Our study has shown that neuropathic pain has a high prevalence in Psoriatic Arthritis patients. This association was observed to be related to functional limitation. Additionally, the DAPSA score was found to be significantly higher in patients with neuropathic pain due to pain sensation which suggests that it may be a factor reducing treatment success. It is conceivable that the recognition and treatment of neuropathic pain may increase the success of Psoriatic Arthritis treatment.