A study from researchers in Rome revealed that patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) experienced longer diagnostic delays compared with those with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), especially if they were seronegative, not diagnosed by a rheumatologist, previously misdiagnosed, or residing in smaller cities. Highlighting the impact of these delays, the research emphasizes the need for early diagnosis and targeted therapies to manage these inflammatory diseases effectively.
The study included 200 patients from the Lazio region, split evenly between RA and PsA diagnoses. Findings showed that patients with PsA not only faced longer initial diagnostic delays but also encountered more extended delays in starting treatment, including second-line and targeted therapies. Delays were more prevalent among patients diagnosed by primary care physicians or those who were misdiagnosed. These results underline the critical need for enhanced physician training and improved collaboration across specialties to ensure timely and accurate diagnosis and treatment of RA and PsA.
Reference: Pine L. Greater Diagnostic Delays Observed in PsA Compared with RA. HCPLive. Published March 26, 2024. Accessed April 18, 2024. https://www.hcplive.com/view/greater-diagnostic-delays-observed-in-psa-compared-with-ra
Link: https://www.hcplive.com/view/greater-diagnostic-delays-observed-in-psa-compared-with-ra
