Patient Voices Guide Prevention of Psoriatic Arthritis in HIPPOCRATES
Research Background
Psoriatic arthritis is a painful joint disease that develops in about one in three people with psoriasis. Once it starts, it can cause long-term joint damage and greatly affect daily life. Researchers from the HIPPOCRATES project are exploring whether psoriatic arthritis could be prevented before it begins. But before testing preventive treatments, the first step is to answer the question: Are people with psoriasis willing to take medication to prevent a disease they do not yet have? Our international research team joined forces to address this question and to understand the balance between benefit and side effects that people find acceptable.
Key Findings
People living with psoriasis, but without psoriatic arthritis, completed our questionnaire:
- 92% said they would consider treatment to prevent psoriatic arthritis;
- Most participants were willing to start preventive treatment if it could reduce their risk of developing psoriatic arthritis to around 30–50%;
- About one in four people wanted an even greater reduction of risk before considering treatment.
- On average, participants were willing to accept a 30% chance of mild side effects and a 25% chance of moderate side effects.
This shows that many people are open to preventive treatment if the potential benefit is clear.
Research Impact
These findings support the idea that preventive treatment studies for psoriatic arthritis are realistic and acceptable to patients. People with psoriasis are not only interested in treating symptoms – they are willing to act early to prevent future disease. These results give researchers and clinicians confidence to move ahead with prevention trials. Our task now is to find better ways to identify who is most at risk.
View the graphical abstract for an accessible overview!
- Download the lay summary here.