Psoriatic Arthritis: Therapeutic Updates and Optimizing Treatment (ACPE)

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic, progressive disease that, untreated, may be associated with permanent joint damage, disability, impaired quality of life, and cardiovascular disease. Though rare in the otherwise healthy population, it is a common comorbidity of patients with psoriasis, affecting them in about 6% to 10% of cases overall and in about 20%-40% of those with extensive skin involvement. PsA is an immune-mediated disease characterized by inflammation of the skin and nails disease or a family history of psoriasis in association with pluralistic musculoskeletal disease that may involve entheses, the spine, and peripheral joints. Unlike the clinical manifestations of inflammatory, pathophysiological processes of psoriasis, a failure to intervene early in PsA with treatment often results in damage that is irreversible.

There have been a wide array of advances in care in the area of pharmacotherapeutic options, including both presently approved (for PsA) therapies – some for short-term, symptomatic management– as well as more novel, potential ones on the horizon. Helping the clinician discern the role of each of agent – present and future – merits continuing healthcare professional education.

1. Describe the pathophysiology of PsA such that it might inform treatment mechanisms.
2. Describe strengths of different professional organizations’ guidance in PsA and treatment.
3. Identify the currently available and emerging pharmacotherapeutic treatments for management of PsA and apply them to patient cases using evidence-based medicine.
4. Evaluate a treatment plan for a specific patient with PsA to optimize safety and efficacy, suggesting modifications for improvement, including the management of comorbidities.
5. Describe the challenges and barriers to care associated with treating patients with PsA.

Credit Designation:

ScientiaCME is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a provider of continuing pharmaceutical education. This program is approved for 1.00 hours of continuing education. Proof of participation will be posted to your NABP CPE profile within 4 to 6 weeks to participants who have successfully completed the post-test. Participants must participate in the entire presentation and complete the course evaluation to receive continuing pharmacy education credit.