Reactive arthritis

Question 1

HLA association

Answer 1

HLA-B27 associated seronegative spondyloarthropathy

Question 2

Reactive arthritis encompasses Reiter’s syndrome, which has a classical triad of symptoms.

Answer 2

urethritis
conjunctivitis
arthritis

Question 3

In reactive arthritis, the causative organism can be cultured from the joint. TRUE/FALSE?

Answer 3

FALSE

Question 4

Reactive arthritis commonly follows what two infections?

Answer 4

post-STI
post-dysentery

Question 5

Organisms commonly associated with the post-dysentery form of reactive arthritis

Answer 5

Shigella flexneri
Salmonella typhimurium
Salmonella enteritidis
Yersinia enterocolitica
Campylobacter

Question 6

Organism responsible for post-STI reactive arthritis

Answer 6

Chlamydia trachomatis

Question 7

Management of reactive arthritis

Answer 7

analgesia
NSAIDS
intra-articular steroids
sulfasalazine and methotrexate (for persistent disease)

Question 8

how long do symptoms last for in reactive arthritis?

Answer 8

symptoms typically last 4-6 months
rarely last more than 12 months

Question 9

Clinical features:

Answer 9

asymmetrical oligoarthritis of lower limbs
dactylitis
urethritis
conjunctivitis
anterior uveitis

skin signs:
- circinate balanitis (painless vesicles on the coronal margin of the prepuce)
- keratoderma blenorrhagica (waxy yellow/brown papules on palms and soles)