The Multidisciplinary Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Unit of Sabadell Hospital, created four years ago, is a pioneering center in Spain.
The professionals of the Rheumatology and Dermatology services of the Hospital de Sabadell, Jordi Gratacós and Jesús Luelmo, respectively, have organized and coordinated the 'First Meeting of Psoriatic Arthritis Units' (APs) held recently in Madrid, with the participation of about fifty hospital professionals from all over Spain, to advance the multidisciplinary management of psoriatic arthritis, a chronic inflammatory musculoskeletal disease associated with cutaneous psoriasis.
The aim of the meeting was to share experiences, information and data collected by the centers that have PA units to reach a consensus and standardize the management of the disease. The Multidisciplinary Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Unit of Sabadell Hospital, created four years ago, is a pioneering center in Spain.
The joint work between dermatologists and rheumatologists facilitates the diagnosis
and early treatment of the disease and prevents its progression
With the holding of this meeting, Spain is among one of the pioneering countries in identifying the need to create such units for a multidisciplinary approach to psoriatic arthritis.
Psoriasis is a chronic genetic autoimmune disease of the skin that produces scaly, thickened, and inflamed lesions. It affects both sexes equally. It is not a contagious disease and is estimated to affect about 2% of the population with wide clinical and evolutionary variability.
Psoriatic arthritis affects 30% of patients with moderate-severe psoriasis and manifests itself with inflammation of joints or tendons that can be central (spine) or peripheral (hands, feet) and causes night pain, stiffness, disability and limitation of movements. The causes of the disease are not entirely known but it is believed that there are genetic and environmental factors that could influence its development.
The Multidisciplinary Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Unit of Sabadell Hospital has treated almost 300 patients with moderate-severe psoriasis during these four years of operation.
To achieve this goal, a strategy was designed to make professionals in the Rheumatology and Dermatology services aware of the importance of multidisciplinary work in the management of psoriasis. Referral criteria were agreed upon, a joint visiting schedule was established and finally an accredited teaching unit was created.
Dr. Gratacós explained at the meeting of specialists in Madrid that “psoriatic arthritis units favor an early diagnosis; approximately 25% of patients referred from the dermatology unit, with suspected psoriatic arthritis in the last four years, the diagnosis has been confirmed "
On the other hand, Dr. Luelmo stressed that “we have identified that the quality of dermatological care increases and improves thanks to the existence of these units. Most referrals are made from the patient's first visit to the specialist ”. This avoids duplication of costs for the hospital and the inconvenience caused by repeated patient visits to the specialist.
Lourdes Serrano Contreras
Please I need help, I want to have a life with less pain. I have psoriatic arthritis diagnosed in 2009 by Dr. Orellana