Association Between Enthesitis and Health-related Quality of Life in Psoriatic Arthritis in Biologic-naive Patients from 2 Phase III Ustekinumab Trials

Objective. Evaluate enthesitis, physical function, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) who are naive to anti–tumor necrosis factor agents.

Methods. In PSUMMIT 1 and 2, patients with PsA were randomized to placebo or ustekinumab 45 mg or 90 mg. Enthesitis was assessed at weeks 0 and 24 (Maastricht Ankylosing Spondylitis Enthesitis Score). Assessments included Health Assessment Questionnaire–Disability Index (HAQ-DI), Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 (SF-36) physical component summary/mental component summary (PCS/MCS), and American College of Rheumatology 20 (ACR20).

Results. At Week 24, 21 had worsened enthesitis, 158 had improved enthesitis, and 412 had unchanged enthesitis. Improved enthesitis was associated with improvements in HAQ-DI and SF-36 MCS. Results were similar for ACR20 responders and nonresponders.

Conclusion. Improvement in enthesitis at Week 24 was associated with improvements in physical function/HRQOL regardless of ACR20 response.