International Journal of Pharma Growth Research Review

Acupuncture in Psoriatic Arthritis: Available Evidence and Research Perspectives

Jozélio Freire de Carvalho¹, Walter Viterbo²

1. ¹
2. ²

Abstract

Background: Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic inflammatory disease within the spondyloarthritis spectrum, associated with cutaneous psoriasis and characterized by clinical heterogeneity and significant functional impairment. Despite therapeutic advances with biologic agents, many patients continue to experience pain and reduced quality of life, prompting interest in complementary therapies such as acupuncture. Objective: To critically review the available literature on acupuncture in PsA, including case reports and observational studies, highlighting current evidence, limitations, and future research directions. Methods: A systematized narrative review was conducted based on searches in PubMed/MEDLINE, SciELO, Web of Science, and grey literature, without language restrictions, up to September 2025. Only primary studies involving patients diagnosed with PsA who underwent acupuncture were included. Results: Three case reports were identified describing improvements in pain, stiffness, and joint function following acupuncture, along with one prospective Chinese cohort suggesting symptomatic benefit in adults. No randomized controlled trials or robust case series were found. Conclusion: The current evidence is of low quality, relying solely on case reports and a single uncontrolled observational study. Future research should include multicenter trials, standardized protocols, and clinically meaningful outcomes to better assess the efficacy and safety of acupuncture as a complementary intervention in PsA.

Keywords: Pharma Growth, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Drug Development, Healthcare Innovations, Drug Safety, Therapeutic Innovations, Pharmaceutical Research, Pharmacy

How to cite

Licensed under CC BY 4.0.