Reactive Arthritis

Question 1

what is reactive arthritis?

Answer 1

• Reactive arthritis is synovitis in the joints as a reaction to a recent infective trigger.
• Typically causes an acute monoarthritis, usually lower limb such as the knee  warm, swollen painful joint.

Question 2

what is a key point about the bacterial status within a joint in reactive arthritis?

Answer 2

• THERE IS NO INFECTION IN THE JOINT IN REACTIVE ARTHRITIS.

Question 3

what gene is reactive arthritis linked to ?

Answer 3

HLA-B27

Question 4

what are common triggers for reactive arthritis?

Answer 4

• Gastroenteritis

- STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea

Question 5

associated features of reactive arthritis?

Answer 5

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

“Cant see, pee or climb a tree”

Question 6

how is reactive arthritis managed?

Answer 6

1) As per local guidelines, aspirate joint and give abx
2) NSAIDs
3) Steroid injections
4) Systemic steroids if multiple joints affected

Question 7

what is the prognosis like for reactive arthritis?

Answer 7

Most cases resolve in 6 months and do not recur. Recurrent cases may require DMARDs or anti-TNF.