Psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis in the era of COVID-19

ABSTRACT

Psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis are interrelated autoimmune diseases which are treated with immune modulating agents. Both are related to metabolic syndrome, hyperuricemia, obesity, and diabetes mellitus type 2, factors leading to severe or even fatal Covid-19 disease. Therefore, the question has arisen as to the prevalence and incidence of Covid-19 infection in psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis patients. Patients with psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis appear to have the same risk of infection with SARS-CoV-2 and similar Covid-19 outcomes as the general population. Treatment for psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis does not alter the risk of getting SARS-CoV-2 infection or having worse COVID-19 outcome. Chronic systemic corticosteroid treatment should be avoided, if possible, as it is associated with worse COVID-19 outcome. Patients with psoriatic arthritis or psoriasis who are not infected with SARS-CoV-2 should continue their biologic or oral treatment. Treatment which targets the immune system should be withheld in the setting of SARS-CoV-2 infection in psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis patients and reinstituted upon recovery. © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.