The CASPAR (Classification Criteria for Psoriatic Arthritis) is a clinical calculator used in the diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis, a type of inflammatory arthritis that affects some people with psoriasis. This scoring system is applicable to patients who have had at least one joint with inflammatory arthritis (swelling) and who have been ruled out for rheumatoid arthritis.
The CASPAR criteria are used to distinguish psoriatic arthritis from other forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. The criteria include evidence of current psoriasis, a personal history of psoriasis, or a family history of psoriasis, along with other specific clinical features.
The clinical utility of the CASPAR criteria lies in its ability to accurately diagnose psoriatic arthritis, which can guide appropriate treatment and management strategies. It is important to note that these criteria are not intended for use in patients with other confirmed types of arthritis.
Reference
William Taylor, Dafna Gladman, Philip Helliwell et al. Classification criteria for psoriatic arthritis: development of new criteria from a large international study. Arthritis Rheum. 2006 Aug;54(8):2665-73.
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