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Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use in Psoriatic Arthritis Patients: a Review

Current Rheumatology Reports volume 22, Article number: 81 (2020) Cite this article

Abstract

Purpose of Review

While complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use is prevalent in the general population and is known to be used in systemic rheumatic disease such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus, its use in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is less well-studied. The purpose of this review was to identify published data describing the use of CAM in patients with PsA.

Recent Findings

PsA patients report frequent use of CAM. Diet is believed to affect disease activity, and dietary approaches are used by patients to mitigate symptoms. Dietary supplements have been studied, especially fatty acids, with some positive results. Herbal remedies show promise, but more and better studies are needed, including evaluating medical cannabis. Studies of some the most commonly used CAM, such as acupuncture and massage, are conspicuously absent.

Summary

CAM use is common among patients with PsA. There is, however, a significant knowledge gap, and there is a critical need for rigorous research to ensure safe and effective use of CAM for these patients.

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Acknowledgments

We would like to thank Bridget Jivanelli and Sarah Page from the Hospital for Special Surgery medical library for their assistance with the literature review.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Hospital for Special Surgery, 535 East 70th Street, New York, NY, 10021, USA

    John A. Roberts IV & Lisa A. Mandl

  2. Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA

    Lisa A. Mandl

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Correspondence to Lisa A. Mandl.

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Conflict of Interest

John Roberts IV has no conflicts of interest to disclose. Dr. Lisa Mandl has the following conflicts of interest to disclose: Annals of Internal Medicine (Associate Editor), UpToDate (Royalties), and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals (Research support).

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All reported studies/experiments with human or animal subjects performed by the authors have been previously published and complied with all applicable ethical standards (including the Helsinki declaration and its amendments, institutional/national research committee standards, and international/national/institutional guidelines).

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Roberts, J.A., Mandl, L.A. Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use in Psoriatic Arthritis Patients: a Review. Curr Rheumatol Rep 22, 81 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11926-020-00956-x

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Keywords

  • Psoriatic arthritis
  • Complementary and alternative medicine
  • Herbs
  • Diet
  • Supplementation