Psoriatic Arthritis in Males and Females: Differences and Similarities

ObjectiveTo assess any differences and similarities in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) between sexes. Any possible differences of psoriasis and its potential impact on disease burden between sexes with PsA were also evaluated.MethodsCross-sectional analysis of two longitudinal PsA cohorts. The impact of psoriasis on the PtGA was evaluated. Patients were stratified in four groups based on BSA. The median PtGA was then compared between the four groups. Moreover, a multivariate linear regression analysis was performed in order to evaluate associations between PtGA and skin involvement, split by sexes.ResultsWe enrolled 141 males and 131 females: PtGA, PtPnV, tender, swollen joint count, DAPSA, HAQ-DI, PsAID-12 were statistically significant higher in females (p <= 0.05). PASS yes was deemed more in males than in females and BSA was higher in males. MDA was present more in males than females. When the patients were stratified on BSA, median PtGA was not different between males and females with BSA = 0. Instead, in females with BSA > 0, a higher PtGA was observed compared to males with BSA > 0. There was not a statistically significant association between skin involvement and PtGA at linear regression analysis, even if a trend seems to be present in female.ConclusionsPsoriasis is more present in males, but it seems to be related to a worse impact in females. In particular, a possible role of psoriasis as an influencing factor the PtGA was found. Moreover, female PsA patients tended to have more disease activity, worse function, and higher disease burden.

Automated summary

The study aimed to evaluate the differences and similarities in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) between sexes, as well as to assess the potential impact of psoriasis on disease burden in PsA patients. The results showed that female PsA patients had a higher disease severity, greater disease activity, worse function, and higher disease burden, while males were more prone to skin involvement. However, there was no significant association between skin involvement and patient global assessment in the regression analysis.