# Prevalence of Psoriatic Arthritis and Its Risk Factors Among Patients With Psoriasis in a Tertiary Care Center in Saudi Arabia

## TL;DR

This study finds that 13% of psoriasis patients at a Saudi hospital have psoriatic arthritis, with higher rates of cardiovascular and mental health issues among those affected.

## Contribution

The study identifies family history and psychiatric comorbidities as novel risk factors for psoriatic arthritis in a Saudi population.

## Key findings

- Psoriatic arthritis prevalence was 13% among psoriasis patients in Saudi Arabia.
- Asymmetric oligoarthritis was the most common subtype, and family history was a strong predictor.
- PsA patients had higher rates of cardiovascular and psychiatric comorbidities compared to controls.

## Abstract

Introduction

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic inflammatory arthritis that develops in a subset of psoriasis patients, often leading to functional impairment and comorbid conditions. Early detection and management of PsA are essential for improving patient outcomes. This study aimed to (1) determine PsA prevalence among psoriasis patients at a tertiary care center in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; (2) identify risk factors for PsA development; and (3) describe clinical PsA subtypes.

Methods

In this retrospective cross-sectional study, 414 psoriasis patients were evaluated using electronic medical records and supplementary telephone interviews. A nested case-control analysis compared PsA cases (n=53) to psoriasis-only controls (n=354). Descriptive statistics summarized prevalence and subtype distribution, while logistic regression assessed associations between PsA and potential risk factors.

Results

PsA prevalence in our population was 13%, with a female predominance, 36 (67.9%). Asymmetric oligoarticular arthritis, 20 (39.2%), was the most frequent subtype, followed by symmetric polyarthritis, 15 (29.4%). Nail involvement was present in 25 (52.1%) of PsA patients. Cardiovascular (47.2% vs. 35.6%) and psychiatric comorbidities (11.3% vs. 5.1%) were more common in PsA patients. Logistic regression identified family history of PsA (OR = 7.8; 95% CI: 1.44-42.2) and psychiatric comorbidities (OR = 4.5; 95% CI: 1.17-17.04) as significant predictors of PsA.

Conclusion

PsA affects a notable proportion of psoriasis patients and is associated with higher rates of cardiovascular and psychiatric comorbidities. Asymmetric oligoarthritis predominated, and family history emerged as a strong predictor. These findings underscore the need for early screening and multidisciplinary management. Larger multicenter studies are warranted to validate these associations.