Biomedicines (Feb 2024)

Increased Prevalence of Headaches and Migraine in Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis and Axial Spondyloarthritis: Insights from an Italian Cohort Study

  • Annalisa Marino,
  • Damiano Currado,
  • Claudia Altamura,
  • Marta Vomero,
  • Onorina Berardicurti,
  • Erika Corberi,
  • Lyubomyra Kun,
  • Andrea Pilato,
  • Alice Biaggi,
  • Irene Genovali,
  • Pietro Bearzi,
  • Marco Minerba,
  • Antonio Orlando,
  • Francesca Trunfio,
  • Maria Quadrini,
  • Chiara Salvolini,
  • Letizia Pia Di Corcia,
  • Francesca Saracino,
  • Roberto Giacomelli,
  • Luca Navarini

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12020371
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 12, no. 2
p. 371

Abstract

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Background: Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) are inflammatory diseases with shared genetic backgrounds and clinical comorbidities. Headache, a common global health issue, affects over 50% of adults and encompasses various types, including migraine, tension-type, and cluster headaches. Migraine, the most prevalent, recurrent, and disabling type, is often associated with other medical conditions such as depression, epilepsy, and psoriasis, but little is known about the relationship between autoimmune disease and the risk of migraine. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from July to November 2022, enrolling 286 participants, including 216 with PsA, 70 with axSpA, and 87 healthy controls. Results: Headache prevalence was significantly higher in the PsA (39.81%) and axSpA (45.71%) patients compared to the healthy controls. The prevalence of migraine without aura was also significantly higher in both the PsA (18.52%) and axSpA (28.57%) groups compared to the healthy controls. Conclusions: These findings underscore the high burden of headache and migraine in PsA and axSpA participants, highlighting the need for improved management and treatment strategies for these patients.

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