This study compared 6-month biologic response in biologic-naïve PsA patients starting treatment early (within 2 years of diagnosis, n=71) vs. delayed (>2 years, n=157), using propensity score-adjusted logistic regression. Primary outcome was ≥50% DAPSA reduction; secondary was PASI 75.
After propensity score adjustment, there was no significant difference in 6-month biologic response between early and delayed treatment groups — neither in joint disease (≥50% DAPSA reduction) nor skin disease (PASI 75).
Single-center or registry cohort with only 228 patients; no long-term radiographic or structural damage outcomes assessed; observational design limits causal inference despite propensity score adjustment.
Clinicians can be reassured that delayed biologic initiation does not appear to compromise short-term treatment response in PsA. However, whether early treatment prevents long-term joint damage remains an open question worth monitoring in future studies.
