Reactive Arthritis

Question 1

pathogenesis

Answer 1

in response to infection in another part of the body
genitourinary infections - Chlamydia, Neisseria
GI infections - salmonella, campylobacter
infection triggers an autoimmune arthropathy

Question 2

how does it present?

Answer 2

large joint (e.g. knee) inflamed 
1-3 weeks following the infection 
triad of symptoms = Reiter's syndrome 
- urethritis 
- uveitis/ conjunctivitis 
- arthritis 
most cases self-limiting 
15-30% are chronic cases with frequent relapses

Question 3

how is it managed?

Answer 3

underlying infectious cause
symptomatic relief - IA/IM steroid injections
chronic cases - occasionally DMARDs