UK & Irish experts have united to call for a different approach to recognising and managing psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

The new educational campaign, dubbed 'Six Domains: One Disease', is aimed at UK & Irish rheumatologists and specialist nurses.

The plan will be supported by leading Rheumatologists across the UK and Ireland and aims to differentiate and drive understanding of PsA as a heterogenous disease, distinct from rheumatoid arthritis (RA), that requires a bespoke management plan.

“Six Domains: One Disease is an important step-forward in helping ensure an accurate and timely diagnosis of PsA,” commented Professor Oliver FitzGerald, consultant rheumatologist, University College Dublin.

Currently there is no formal criteria or laboratory tests to support physicians in making their initial diagnosis of PsA, which is characterised by the presence of up to six distinct clinical domains; peripheral arthritis, spondylitis, enthesitis, dactylitis, skin disease and nail disease.

Due to each PsA patient having a different combination of these domains and varying degrees of severity, a tailored treatment approach is needed based on domain involvement.

He continued, “The six domains are the hallmarks of psoriatic arthritis and it is vitally important that we educate healthcare professionals to recognise some of the more hidden signs and symptoms of the disease. Every PsA patient is unique, each presenting with a different combination of domains and therefore requiring a specific management approach.

“I am confident that by ensuring a deeper understanding of the six domains we can reduce the disparity in management of PsA and improve overall patient outcomes.”