Modifiable risk factors and the development of psoriatic arthritis in people with psoriasis.

In this incident psoriasis cohort, increased BMI and moderate drinking, but not heavy drinking or smoking status, were associated with an increased risk of PsA in people with psoriasis. Importantly, we have shown that reducing weight may result in a reduction in the risk of developing PsA. What's already known about this topic? There is some evidence that increased body mass index is associated with an increased risk of developing psoriatic arthritis. There are conflicting results surrounding the relationship between smoking and the development of psoriatic arthritis among patients with psoriasis. What does this study add? Using a nonlinear and lagged effect of body mass index measured over time we have shown that reducing body mass index may be associated with a reduction in the risk of developing psoriatic arthritis. We have found no evidence that smoking alters the risk of developing psoriatic arthritis in patients with psoriasis.