Comparison of Liver Health in Psoriatic Arthritis Patients Using Anti-TNF or Anti-IL17 Treatments

Overview

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is an inflammatory joint disease that can also affect the liver. Some medications used to treat PsA, such as biological agents (TNF-alpha inhibitors and IL-17 inhibitors), may influence liver health over the long term. This retrospective study aims to evaluate the presence and progression of liver fibrosis (scarring) and hepatic steatosis (fatty liver) in PsA patients treated with TNF-alpha inhibitors or IL-17 inhibitors. The study includes PsA patients who have used biological medications continuously for at least 2 years. Patients' liver health will be assessed using non-invasive tests such as liver ultrasonography and validated biochemical scoring systems (FIB-4, APRI). The findings will be compared with PsA patients treated only with methotrexate (MTX), a commonly used medication known to affect liver health. This study will help understand whether biological therapies (TNF or IL-17 inhibitors) have a positive or negative impact on liver health compared to traditional treatments (MTX) in patients with psoriatic arthritis.

This is a retrospective, single-center observational study, conducted in the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinic, designed to assess the impact of long-term biologic therapy on liver health in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Participants must have received either TNF-alpha inhibitors or IL-17 inhibitors for at least two consecutive years. A separate group of PsA patients who have only received methotrexate (MTX) for at least two years will serve as a comparison cohort. Objectives: To estimate the frequency of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis using liver ultrasonography and validated biochemical scoring indices (FIB-4, APRI) among patients on biologic therapy and MTX. To compare changes in fibrotic markers between baseline and the two-year follow-up period. To determine whether long-term biologic therapy poses additional risk or provides any protective effect regarding the progression of liver disease. Study Population: Adult PsA patients aged 18 to 65 years, meeting standard classification criteria. Biologic therapy group: ongoing anti-TNF or anti-IL-17 treatment for ≥2 years. Control group: MTX therapy ≥2 years without biologic agents. Methods: Patient records from the rheumatology department will be reviewed retrospectively. Liver ultrasonography, performed at baseline (or earliest available pre-biologic record) and at the two-year mark, will evaluate hepatic steatosis, if available in patient files. Blood tests (AST, ALT, platelet count, total bilirubin, albumin, CRP) will be retrieved from clinical databases to calculate non-invasive liver fibrosis indices (e.g., FIB-4, APRI). Additional data on metabolic risk factors (BMI, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia measured by total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglyceride levels) will be extracted. Additionally, clinical information on enthesitis, dactylitis, and disease activity (assessed by DAPSA and/or PASI scores when available) will be recorded from patient files. Statistical analysis will include group comparisons, correlation analyses, and multiple regression to adjust for confounding factors. Significance: Findings from this study will enhance understanding of whether TNF-alpha or IL-17 inhibitors elevate or mitigate the risk of liver disease progression relative to MTX therapy in PsA patients, providing a foundation for more tailored treatment decisions and long-term patient monitoring.