Relationship between structural damage with loss of strength and functional disability in psoriatic arthritis patients

• Published in: Clinical biomechanics (Bristol) 2019-08, Vol.68, p.169-174
• Main Authors: Feced Olmos, Carlos Manuel, Alvarez-Calderon, Oscar, Hervás Marín, David, Ivorra Cortés, José, Pujol Marco, Conrad, Román Ivorra, José Andrés
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biomechanical function; Disability; Psoriatic arthritis; Radiography; Structural damage
• ISSN: 0268-0033; 1879-1271
• DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2019.06.009

Evaluate the relationship between structural damage assessed by radiography or ultrasonography in the hands of patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) with loss of strength together with functional disability. A cross-sectional study was conducted in patients with PsA involving the hands. Erosions and loss of radiographic joint space were measured in the dominant hand using a modified Sharp van der Heijde method and an ultrasound assessment. Hand strength was assessed with a dynamometer and disability was assessed using the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ). The statistical analysis was performed using multiple linear regression models. 76 patients were included with a mean age of 57 ± 9.9 years, with 56.6% women. A statistically significant relationship was found between presence of erosions and reduction in lateral (p = 0.027) and tip (p = 0.030) pinch strength in the hand. This was also the case for loss of joint space and reduction in lateral (p = 0.012) and tip (p = 0.006) pinch strength. There was an association between total ultrasound (US) alterations and reduction in lateral pinch strength (p = 0.03). An association was also observed between erosions, loss of joint space and total US alterations and disability measured by the HAQ (p