Psoriasis is a chronic and inflammatory skin disease with potential systemic implications that affects 7.5 million people in the United States. Psoriasis can lead to several comorbidities, including psoriatic arthritis, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease.  Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is the most common comorbidity, affecting up to 42% of psoriasis patients, and is characterized by swelling and pain in the peripheral joints, enthesitis, and dactylitis.  Due to both skin and joint involvement, PsA can greatly affect an individual’s quality of life, and can lead to decreased mobility and impaired physical functioning. Despite these impacts, studies have shown that PsA identification and treatment is suboptimal.  Significant delays in in the diagnosis of PsA have been reported, and undiagnosed PsA remains prevalent among patients with psoriasis seen in dermatology clinics.  Early diagnosis and treatment is crucial in managing PsA, and clinicians need to understand the impact of both skin and joint aspects of psoriasis and PsA in order to minimize impact on patients’ quality of life (QOL).  A patient-centered and multidisciplinary approach to care, based on the collaboration between dermatologists and rheumatologists is recommended for the management of PsA, and has been shown to improve patient outcomes.

1. List practical tools designed to effectively screen or diagnose PsA in the dermatology and rheumatology setting
2. Define assessment strategies to evaluate PsA severity that incorporate both joint and skin manifestation in order to guide treatment
3. Develop individualized treatment strategies for patients with PsA based on the efficacy and safety of current and emerging pharmacotherapies
4. Identify effective methods for developing patient-centered care in order to improve adherence and overall outcomes in PsA patients

This Activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of the University of Cincinnati and South Beach Symposium.

The University of Cincinnati is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

No faculty are available for this activity at this time.