Psoriatic Arthritis

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Cause and Risk Factors

The cause for psoriatic arthritis is unknown. The disease appears to have genetic (inherited), environmental, and immunological risk factors. Studies have shown that there is a significant increase (to approximately 40%) of disease development in first-degree relatives (e.g., siblings) and in patients who have certain antibodies (proteins used by the immune system).

Environmental risk factors, such as injury, trauma, and infection (viral or bacterial) also may play a role the development of psoriatic arthritis. An increased risk for the disorder is associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.

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