Reactive arthritis Flashcards
What is reactive arthritis?
Reactive arthritis is one of the HLA-B27 associated seronegative spondyloarthropathies.
What classic triad was formerly associated with Reiter’s syndrome?
The classic triad includes urethritis, conjunctivitis, and arthritis following a dysenteric illness.
What is the definition of reactive arthritis?
Reactive arthritis is defined as an arthritis that develops following an infection where the organism cannot be recovered from the joint.
What mnemonic is used to remember the symptoms of reactive arthritis?
‘Can’t see, pee or climb a tree’
What is the epidemiology of post-STI reactive arthritis?
The post-STI form is much more common in men, with a ratio of approximately 10:1.
What is the epidemiology of post-dysenteric reactive arthritis?
The post-dysenteric form has equal sex incidence.
What organisms are commonly associated with post-dysenteric reactive arthritis?
Common organisms include Shigella flexneri, Salmonella typhimurium, Salmonella enteritidis, Yersinia enterocolitica, and Campylobacter.
What organism is commonly associated with post-STI reactive arthritis?
Chlamydia trachomatis.
What is the management for reactive arthritis?
Management includes symptomatic treatment with analgesia, NSAIDs, and intra-articular steroids.
What medications are sometimes used for persistent reactive arthritis?
Sulfasalazine and methotrexate are sometimes used for persistent disease.
How long do symptoms of reactive arthritis typically last?
Symptoms rarely last more than 12 months.
Why is the term Reiter’s syndrome no longer used?
The term is no longer used because Reiter was a member of the Nazi party.
What is reactive arthritis?
Reactive arthritis is an arthritis that develops following an infection where the organism cannot be recovered from the joint.
What are the associated conditions of reactive arthritis?
Reactive arthritis is one of the HLA-B27 associated seronegative spondyloarthropathies and encompasses what was formerly called Reiter’s syndrome.
What was the classic triad of Reiter’s syndrome?
The classic triad of Reiter’s syndrome includes urethritis, conjunctivitis, and arthritis following a dysenteric illness.
What are the triggers for reactive arthritis?
Symptoms can develop following a dysenteric illness or a sexually transmitted infection (post-STI), now sometimes referred to as sexually acquired reactive arthritis (SARA).
What is the typical time course for reactive arthritis?
Reactive arthritis typically develops within 4 weeks of initial infection, with symptoms generally lasting around 4-6 months.
What percentage of patients experience recurrent episodes of reactive arthritis?
Around 25% of patients have recurrent episodes, while 10% develop chronic disease.
What type of arthritis is typically seen in reactive arthritis?
Arthritis is typically an asymmetrical oligoarthritis of the lower limbs.
What are the symptoms associated with reactive arthritis?
Symptoms include dactylitis and symptoms of urethritis.
What eye symptoms are associated with reactive arthritis?
Conjunctivitis (seen in 10-30%) and anterior uveitis.
What skin conditions are associated with reactive arthritis?
Circinate balanitis (painless vesicles on the coronal margin of the prepuce) and keratoderma blenorrhagica (waxy yellow/brown papules on palms and soles).
