Reactive Arthritis

Question 1

What is reactive arthritis?

Answer 1

Where synovitis occurs in joints as reaction to recent infection trigger

Question 2

What is the obvious DDx?

Answer 2

Septic arthritis

Question 3

Common infective causes of reactive arthrtitis?

Answer 3

Gastroenteritis

STI: Chlamydia

Question 4

What gene is linked to reactive arthritis?

Answer 4

HLA-B27 gene

Question 5

Presentation of reactive arthritis?

Answer 5

Acute monoarthritis
Single joint in lower limb
Joint is warm, swollen and painful

Question 6

Associated symptoms with reactive arthritis?

Answer 6

Bilateral conjunctivitis
Anterior uveitis
Circinate balanitis (dermatitis of penis head)

Question 7

Rhyme for remembering associated symptoms of reactive arthritis?

Answer 7

Can’t

• See
• Pee
• Climb a tree

Question 8

Management of reactive arthritis?

Answer 8

Antibiotics and aspirate joint until proven to not be septic arthritis
- Gram stain, culture, sensitivity and crystal examination

When septic excluded:

• NSAIDs
• Steroid injections into affected joint
• Systemic roids may be required if multiple joints affected