Key clinical point: The prevalence of crystals in the synovial fluid was higher in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) than in those with gonarthrosis and indicated increased disease activity and declining physical abilities in patients with PsA.
Major finding: Synovial fluid crystals were present in a significantly higher proportion of patients with PsA vs. gonarthrosis (23.7% vs. 0%; P < .001), with the presence of crystals being associated with an increased odds of severe pain (odds ratio [OR] 157.25), high disease activity (OR 15.96), and severe disability (OR 13.60; all P < .001).
Study details: Findings are from a retrospective case-control study including 156 patients with PsA and 50 patients with gonarthrosis.
Disclosures: This study did not receive any funding. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.
Source: Geneva-Popova M et al. Assessment of crystals in the synovial fluid of psoriatic arthritis patients in relation to disease activity. Diagnostics (Basel). 2022;12(5):1260 (May 18). Doi: 10.3390/diagnostics12051260