Reactive Arthritis Flashcards
1
Q
What is reactive arthritis?
A
Acute monoarthritis affecting a single joint in the lower limb, most often the knee. It is a seronegative spondyloarthropathy
2
Q
How does reactive arthritis present?
A
- Acutely
- Hot, swollen joint
- Arthralgia
3
Q
What is the main differential for reactive arthritis?
A
Septic arthritis- but in reactive, there is no joint infection
4
Q
What is reactive arthritis associated with?
A
HLA B27 gene
5
Q
What other conditions is it related to?
A
CAN’T SEE, CAN’T PEE, CAN’T CLIMB A TREE
- Bilateral conjunctivitis (non-infective)
- Anterior uveitis
- Circinate balantitis (dermatitis of the head of the penis)
6
Q
How is it investigated?
A
Aspiration
- Gram stain
- Culture and sensitivity
7
Q
How is it managed?
A
- Exclude septic arthritis
- NSAIDs
- Steroid injections into the joint
- Systemic steroids may be required
- If recurs, DMARDs or anti-TNF
8
Q
How long before cases usually resolve?
A
6 months, and they don’t recur
