Effect of weight loss on activity in psoriatic arthritis: A systematic review

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the association between weight loss and changes in disease activity in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Methods: We performed a systematic review of the literature, with searches in Medline, Embase and Cochrane Central Library from inception until April 2015.

Inclusion criteria: 1) randomized controlled trials (RCT); 2) PsA patients; 3) interventions were any intervention aimed at weight control; and 4) a PsA activity-related outcome measure was evaluated. Risks of bias were assessed by the Cochrane Collaboration scale.

Results: Of the 215 articles identified, only 2 RCT met the inclusion criteria, 1 in abstract format. Both showed moderate risk of bias. Patients who managed to lose weight-by any method-had better results in terms of activity and inflammation. The percentage of weight loss correlated moderately with changes in inflammatory outcomes.

Conclusion: Weight loss in PsA could be associated with less inflammation; however, the evidence to support this is limited.

Keywords: Artritis psoriásica; Body mass index; Diet; Dieta; Obesidad; Obesity; Psoriatic arthritis; Pérdida de peso; Response to treatment; Respuesta al tratamiento; Weight loss; Índice de masa corporal.