Abstract
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic systemic inflammatory disorder characterized by the association of arthritis and periarticular inflammation in patients with psoriasis. In addition to a heterogeneous and variable clinical course, PsA is complex and multifaceted and may include prominent involvement in the peripheral and axial diarthrodial joints, the skin and nails, and in periarticular structures such as entheses. A central mission of the Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (GRAPPA) is to develop guidelines, based upon the best scientific evidence, for the optimal treatment of patients with PsA. Guidelines were previously published in 2009 based on an evidence-based systematic review. Given important recent developments and robust ongoing research into the treatment of PsA, GRAPPA undertook to update the guidelines. Herein we outline the specific methods and procedures used both in the initial and the current evidence-based, systematic reviews of treatments for PsA. We also review the numerous discussions regarding how best to finalize and publish these new guidelines in 2014.
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