reactive arthiritis

Question 1

what is reactive arthiritis

Answer 1

sterile inflammation of the synovial membrane, tendons and fascia triggered by an infection at a distant site, usually GI or genital

Question 2

gut associated infections

Answer 2

salmonella
shigella

Question 3

sexual transmitted infections

Answer 3

claymydia
ureaplasma urealyticum

Question 4

classical pattern of reactive arthiritis

Answer 4

arthiritis
conjunctivitis
urethritis - sterile

cant see/pee/climb tree

Question 5

other symtpoms alongside triad

Answer 5

keratoderma blenorrhagiea
circinate blanitis - genital inflammation
uveitis

Question 6

Treatment of reactive arthritis? (2)

Answer 6

Symptoms = NSAIDS (+ steroid injection)
Mostly single attack -> if have 6+ months of recurrence = CHRONIC -> methotrexate

Question 7

Most common cause of reactive arthritis?

Answer 7

C.trachomatis

Question 8

Main differential diagnosis of reactive arthritis?

Answer 8

Septic arthritis:
- painful hot swollen joint
- red
- signs or history of infection

Question 9

Investigations to diagnose reactive arthritis? (4)

Answer 9

• Joint aspirate (remove fluid from space around a joint) = MC + S shows no organism
• Plane polarised light microscopy = -ve for crystalarthropathy
• sexual health review
• stool culture

Question 10

Causes of reactive arthritis? (2)

Answer 10

• Gastroenteritis = C.jejuni, salmonella
• STI = C.trachomatis, N.Gonorrhoea