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Nail Manifestations Reflecting Abnormalities of Bone and Soft Tissues in Interphalangeal Joints Affected by Psoriatic Arthritis

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers at the Jikei University School of Medicine in Tokyo, Japan, have made a significant discovery regarding the relationship between nail manifestations and articular findings in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). According to the study, nail manifestations are observed in approximately 76.4% of patients, with pitting being the most common finding. The researchers found a positive association between nail manifestations and bone abnormalities, and a negative association between nail manifestations and soft tissue inflammation.

Key Takeaways:

  • A total of 106 nails adjacent to PsA-affected distal interphalangeal joints were examined in 29 patients, resulting in 81 observed nail lesions (76.4%).
  • Pitting was the most common nail finding, observed in 75/106 fingers or toes (70.8%).
  • Nail manifestations may be positively associated with bone abnormalities and negatively associated with soft tissue inflammation in PsA.
  • More than 60% of nail manifestations precede the onset of articular symptoms in the adjacent interphalangeal joints.
  • Nail examinations may aid in estimating articular status, prompting appropriate evaluation and early treatment for the affected joints.

Statistics:

  • 76.4% of patients with PsA exhibited nail manifestations.
  • 70.8% of fingers or toes in PsA-affected patients displayed pitting.
  • 61.3% of nail manifestations preceded the onset of articular symptoms in the adjacent interphalangeal joints.
  • 11.2% of nail manifestations followed the onset of articular symptoms.
  • 28.8% of nail manifestations occurred simultaneously with articular symptoms.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Research Data from Jikei University School of Medicine Update Understanding of Psoriatic Arthritis (Nail manifestations reflecting abnormalities of bone and soft tissues in interphalangeal joints affected by psoriatic arthritis). Health & Medicine Week. October 31, 2025; p 5471.
  • Clinical Rheumatology. "Nail manifestations reflecting abnormalities of bone and soft tissues in interphalangeal joints affected by psoriatic arthritis." Clinical Rheumatology, 2025.

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