OBJECTIVE: To update recommendationsforthe treatment
of psoriatic arthritis with biological therapies, endorsed
by the Portuguese Society of Rheumatology (SPR).
METHODS: These treatment recommendations were formulated
by Portuguese rheumatologists based on literature
evidence and consensus opinion. At a national
meeting the 16 recommendations included in this
document were discussed and updated. The level of
agreement among Portuguese Rheumatologists was assessed
using an online survey. A draft of the full text of
the recommendations was then circulated and suggestions
were incorporated. A final version was again circulated
before publication.
RESULTS: A consensus was achieved regarding the initiation,
assessment of response and switching biological
therapies in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA).
Specific recommendations were developed for several
disease domains: peripheral arthritis, axial disease, enthesitis
and dactylitis.
CONCLUSION: These recommendations may be used for
guidance in deciding which patients with PsA should be
treated with biological therapies. They cover a rapidly
evolving area oftherapeutic intervention.Asmore evidence
becomes available and more biological therapies are licensed,
these recommendations will have to be updated
