Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is an inflammatory arthritis associated with psoriasis, which has a
estimated prevalence of 0.3 - 1 %. The clinical course varies, but PsA is often a
progressive, erosive arthritis causing severe disability and increased mortality.
The biologic treatment infliximab and etanercept have recently been introduced for treatment
of PsA and psoriasis, and current data indicate a higher efficacy than with previously
available therapies. No clinical trials on adalimumab in PsA are yet published (2005), but
preliminary data are encouraging. The improved treatment options have increased the need for
sensitive methods for diagnosis, monitoring and prognostication of PsA, so that the efficient
therapies can be initiated at the optimal time point and monitored optimally. Ultrasonography
(US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and a number of biomarkers are promising, but not
yet sufficiently studied, methods for this.
The hypothesis is that adalimumab will be an effective treatment option for PsA. Novel
imaging- and biomarkers can provide additional information, compared to clinical measures and
radiography, concerning activity, destructive progression and prediction of therapeutic
response in PsA patients receiving adalimumab. The perspective is a potential improvement in
diagnosis, monitoring and prognostication of patients with PsA.
Phase:
Phase 4
Details
Lead Sponsor:
Glostrup University Hospital, Copenhagen
Collaborators:
Copenhagen University Hospital at Herlev Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre University Hospital, Gentofte, Copenhagen