Treatment Efficacy-What to look for? Labs or physical symptoms?

Hi @Haseeb, thanks for reaching out. The higher the level of CRP or ESR, the more inflammation in the body. However, CRP and ESR are only higher in about half of patients with PsA. Often patients with PsA will have normal CRP and ESR levels. Similarly, while anti-CCP is typically an RA indicator, anti-CCP can be both negative or positive in PsA. While bloodwork is certainly part of the diagnostic process, patient history and a physical examination are the most important factors to correctly diagnose PsA. I am sending you an article with further information about this: https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/clinical/bloodwork-for-psa-results. I would encourage you to see a rheumatologist in person if you could. The National Psoriasis Foundation has a directory of medical professionals that can be filtered by your location: https://www.psoriasis.org/health-care-provider-directory/. I hope this is helpful for you. Jill, Team Member

Symptoms tell me if my treatment is working, although there will still be flares. No treatment is 100%, in fact I have read that pain wise one can hope for about 30% help with pain - the real goal of many treatments is slowing down damage. Sucks but I guess that's where things like movement and healthy diet come in to help. The meds help but we also have to help ourselves. My blood work is always clear with the exception of occasional elevated ANA.

, hi there! I just wanted to let you know that I shared your question with our community members on Facebook. They also answered your question, if you're interested in seeing their responses as well: https://www.facebook.com/PsoriaticArthritisDotCom/posts/1464162133969639. Hope this helps! Best, Minel (Team Member)

This information was so helpful. In 2014, my anti ccp test was positive with a fairly high number. I also had extensive joint damage in my large joints. I was treated for RA for several years. Five of my large joints were replace before I turned 50.
In 2020, after a bout of fairly alarming scalp psoriasis with hair loss, new labs revealed a positive Hbla-27 response. I have slight nail pitting and a very painful foot and ankle.
My rheumatologist now has me in the PsA category.
My disease is fairly active at the moment. Lots of pain, a sausage finger, fatigue, Uveitis - really not a fun month. I had routine labs done today and the inflammation markers are normal. I felt puzzled that my labs did not tell the story of how I feel.
This article helped settle my mind. And I am fortunate to have an outstanding rheumatologist. He reminds me that labs do not tell the whole story.