Objective: To determine the frequency of remission in psoriatic arthritis (PsA), to describe the characteristics of remission in PsA, and to identify features associated with remission in PsA.
Methods: Patients with PsA are followed prospectively according to a standard protocol. Only patients with > or =3 visits and those with peripheral arthritis were included in this study. Patients who sustained remission, defined as no actively inflamed joints on at least 3 consecutive visits, were compared to patients with persistent inflammation throughout the followup period (nonremission).
Results: Among 391 patients with peripheral arthritis and > or =3 visits, 69 patients sustained remission and 178 had persistent inflammatory activity. The frequency of remission was thus 17.6%. The average duration of remission was 2.6 years. However, 52% of the patients experienced flare after a mean of 1.8 years. Univariate analyses revealed that male sex, fewer actively inflamed and damaged joints, and better functional class at presentation to clinic were associated with remission.
Conclusion: Remission does occur in PsA and may be prolonged. There are clinical characteristics of patients at their first clinic visit that are associated with future remission.