Doctor screening versus questionnaire screening for psoriatic arthritis in people with psoriasis
Comparison of a Physician-Based Versus Questionnaire-Based Approach to Identify Patients With a High Probability of Psoriatic Arthritis Among Patients With Psoriasis: A Prospective Multicenter Study
This study will test whether screening by a doctor or using short questionnaires finds more cases of psoriatic arthritis in adults with psoriasis.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 500 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Charite University, Berlin, Germany Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Toronto, Ontario) |
| Trial ID | NCT07298265 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Researchers will compare physician-conducted screening to several validated questionnaire tools (PASE, ToPAS/TOPAS 2, PEST, EARP) in adults with confirmed psoriasis seen at participating dermatology clinics. Eligible participants are adults (≥18) with a definite diagnosis of psoriasis who have not been previously evaluated by a rheumatologist unless new musculoskeletal symptoms have developed. The observational design involves administering questionnaires alongside routine physician screening and documenting subsequent rheumatology referrals and diagnostic outcomes. The study aims to determine which approach identifies more previously unrecognized cases of psoriatic arthritis and could shorten diagnostic delay.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults (≥18) with a confirmed diagnosis of psoriasis who can give informed consent and who have not already been assessed by a rheumatologist (unless they have new musculoskeletal symptoms) are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People under 18, those unable to consent, and patients who already had a rheumatology assessment for PsA with no new symptoms are unlikely to benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help diagnose psoriatic arthritis earlier and reduce joint damage and long-term disability.
How similar studies have performed: Several questionnaires for PsA screening have been developed and validated and have shown usefulness in finding undiagnosed cases, though accuracy varies and direct head-to-head comparisons with physician screening remain limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age \>= 18 years. 2. Definite diagnosis of psoriasis. 3. Written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Unable or unwilling to give informed consent or to comply with the protocol. 2. Previously assessed by a rheumatologist for the presence of PsA, unless new musculoskeletal symptoms have emerged subsequent to the prior evaluation.
Where this trial is running
Toronto, Ontario
- University Health Network / University Of Toronto — Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Denis Poddubnyy, MD, PhD, MsC, Professor
- Email: Denis.Poddubnyy@uhn.ca
- Phone: +1416603 5753
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.