Reactive Arthritis Flashcards
What is reactive arthritis?
Autoimmune response to infection elsewhere in the body which causes synovitis at the joint
What are the main infective triggers for reactive arthritis?
Gastroenteritis
STI’s
What form of gastroenteritis would cause reactive arthritis?
Salmonella
What 2 STI’s could cause reactive arthritis?
Chlamydia
Shigella
What gene is associated with reactive arthritis?
HLA B27
What are the symptoms of Reactive arthritis classed as?
Reiter’s syndrome
What is Reiter’s syndrome present?
Arthritis
Urethritis
Conjunctivitis
What other presentations of reactive arthritis?
- Anterior uveitis (gritty eye)
- Circinate balantis
- Mono-arthritis: Knee (red, hot, swollen, painful joint)
When does reactive arthritis usually occur after infection?
Within 4 weeks of infection
What should you look for in a history of reactive arthritis?
Diarrhoeal illness
Unprotected sex
What is the initial management of reactive arthritis?
• Give IV antibiotics until septic arthritis is excluded
What is the first line management of acute reactive arthritis?
NSAID’s (ibuprofen)
If contraindicated use steroids
What is the second line management of acute reactive arthritis?
Steroids
Oral or intra-articualr
What is the management for persistent reactive arthritis?
DMARD’s
What DMARD’s can be used for persistent reactive arthritis?
Sulfasalazine
Methotrexate
